March 2020
www.traveltrademaldives.com ttm@traveltrademaldives.com
ISSUE 006 International Travel Trade Periodical of Maldives
ZAFER AGACAN
GENERAL MANAGER, RADISSON BLU MALDIVES
PATRICK HOFFMANN
RESIDENT MANAGER, HERITANCE AARAH
JOHN D. BENDTSEN
GENERAL MANAGER, ACCOR HOTELS
IN THIS ISSUE : Roadshows & Fairs | Statistics | Government | Market Overview | People | Aviation | Travel Tech | Awards/Listings/Features | Accommodation | Trainings | Travel Agents | Celebrity News | TTM Highlights
02 FOREWORD & TEAM
PUBLISHER’S NOTE
OUR TEAM MANAGING DIRECTOR
Akhmeem Abdul Razzaq
Welcome to the March 2020 issue of
that the airport will be ready to cater to
we at Orca Media Group will try everything
“TTM Periodical”. TTM Periodical is a
over 7 million passengers annually by 2023.
to ensure TTM 2020 will be better and
travel trade publication published by
Since being launched in 2017, TTM 2020 is
more rewarding for the participants in
Travel Trade Maldives (TTM) - Maldives
the 4th edition of the show that effectively
every aspect. All this would not have been
leading international travel trade show.
connects the travel trade community of the
possible without the incredible support of
Estimated figures for 2023 indicate that
Maldives to the global network of travel
our partners and industry stakeholders.
Maldives will achieve well over 60,000 in
professionals. This year, the multi-event
Here’s wishing all the best and a successful
beds in operation and government target
travel trade show will include the TTM
event for all participants of TTM 2020.
of 2.5 million tourist arrivals annually. The
Travel Summit, and TTM prescheduled
ongoing airport development projects at
meetings,
Velana International Airport will ensure
successful as previous editions of TTM were,
TTM
Awards
&
Gala.
As
CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Dr. Hussain Sunny Umar
CREATIVE DIRECTOR Nashaath
DIRECTOR
Ibrahim Areef
DIRECTOR
Mohamed Khoorsheed
MANAGER
Ahmed Nasir Aminath Yusra Ibrahim
PHOTOGRAPHY DYNAMYST Moonis M. Fauzan Mazin
DESIGN DIRECTION CREATIVE TUNA Zuhura Ismail Zaya Ahmed Moothi Hamdhoon W. Asthu Shahindha
MARKETING
Ali Sageef Ibrahim Aminath Suha Mohamed Suma Abdul Rahman Fathimath Shazra Copyright c 2020 Orca Media Group. All rights reserved throughout the world. Reproduction in any manner is prohibited. Opinions expressed in the articles are of the authors and do not necessarily reflect those of the editor or publishers. While the editors do their utmost to verify information published they do not accept responsibility for its absolute accuracy. Materials in this publication may not be reproduced, whether in part or in whole, without the consent of Orca Media Group.
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ROADSHOWS & FAIRS 03
MMPRC ROADSHOW & FAIR LIST 2020 JAN 08 JAN 10 JAN
15 APR
19 APR 22 APR
FITUR INTERNATIONAL TOURISM TRADE FAIR
VISIT MALDIVES EVENING, INDIA
AUG
ARABIAN TRAVEL MARKET (ATM)
AUG
17, 18, 19 & 21 AUG
13 MAY 15 MAY
BUSINESS, MICE AND LEISURE MARKET (BLTM)
ITB CHINA SEP
13 MAY
VISIT MALDIVES EVENING, SHANGHAI
17 & 19 MAY
26, 27 & 29 MAY
Milan, Italy
04 MAR 08 MAR
USA, ROADSHOW
JUNE 5, 8, 9, 11 & 12 JUN
SPAIN, ROADSHOW
22, 24, 26, 29 & 30 JUN
Berlin, Germany
23 SEP 26 SEP
9,11,13 & 16 MAR
RUSSIA AND CIS ROADSHOW Ukraine, Belarus, St. Petersburg, Moscow (Maldivian Evening)
03 JUL 05 JUL
15 JUL
WTM AFRICA Cape Town, South Africa
MALDIVIAN EVENING, BANGKOK
7, 9 & 11 JUL
ASEAN, ROADSHOW Philippines, Indonesia, Vietnam
NOV
UK, ROADSHOW
CHINA, ROADSHOW
DEC DEC
OCT 4, 6 & 8 OCT
EASTERN EUROPE, ROADSHOW Czech Rep, Slovakia, Poland
OCT
IFTM TOP RESA Paris, France
14 OCT 16 OCT
TTG TRAVEL EXPERIENCE Rimini, Italy
Bangkok, Thailand
APR 06 APR 08 APR
NOV
Mumbai, India
Delhi, Ahmedabad, Bangalore, Trivendrum, Hyderabad
VISIT MALDIVES TRAVEL EXPO (VMTE)
VISIT MALDIVES EVENING, UK London, UK
VIVAH WEDDING & LIFESTYLE EXPO
RIYADH TRAVEL FAIR Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
NOV
Hangzhou, Chengdu, Kunming 25 SEP 27 SEP
Bangkok, Thailand 26 MAR 28 MAR
London, UK
MONACO YACHT SHOW Monaco
INDIA, ROADSHOW
JUL
WORLD TRAVEL MARKET (WTM)
Edinburgh, Liverpool, Bristol
Madrid, Barcelona, Valencia , Bilbao, Malaga
ITB BERLIN
MALDIVIAN EVENING, GERMANY
NOV
DIVING RESORT TRAVEL DRT Manila, Philippines
VISIT MALDIVES EVENING, JAPAN Osaka, Japan
MIDDLE EAST & GCC, ROADSHOW
Berlin, Germany
04 MAR
OCT
New York, Miami, Chicago
BIT
MAR
11 SEP 13 SEP
TOURISM EXPO JAPAN (JATA) Osaka, Japan
MATTA
Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Jeddah, Riyadh
CHINA, ROADSHOW Shenzhen & Xian
BRIDE SHOW Dubai
OCT
NOV 6, 7, 9 & 10 SEP
ITB ASIA Singapore
SEP
Shanghai, China
FEB
21 OCT 23 OCT
KL, Malaysia
Delhi, India
09 FEB 11 FEB
LUXPERIENCE Sydney, Australia
GERMANY, ROADSHOW Hamburg, Berlin, Essen & Stuttgart
MAY Shanghai
05 FEB 08 FEB
12 OCT 15 OCT
NATAS Singapore
FESPO Zürich, Switzerland
31 JAN 01 FEB
KOREA WEDDING SHOW Seoul, Korea
Dubai, UAE
Madrid, Spain
30 JAN 02 FEB
JUL
Mumbai, India
Mumbai, India
MATKA Helsinki, Finland
22 JAN 26 JAN
ITB INDIA
SATTE Delhi, India
16 JAN 19 JAN
15 APR 17 APR
19, 21 & 23 OC
ITALY, ROADSHOW Milan, Florence, Rome
INTERNATIONAL LUXURY TRAVEL MARKET (ILTM) Cannes, France
04 ROADSHOWS & FAIRS
MALDIVES SHOWCASES AT SATTE DELHI AS AN UNDERWATER RESTAURANT Maldives Marketing and Public Relations
top travel trade industry professionals from
Corporation (MMPRC) just kicked off the
India to further develop and strengthen
first travel trade show of the year at SATTE
the presence of the Maldives in the Indian
Delhi where the Maldives booth is designed
market.
as an underwater restaurant. This three-day fair attracts a large number MMPRC together with partners from the
of visitors from India, based on figures from
tourism industry, participates in the South
2019 the fair had over 1,000 participants,
Maldives. Activities available at the stand
Based on the arrival figures of 2019, India
Asian Travel and Tourism Exchange (SATTE)
representation from 50 different countries,
include a photo booth, where the visitors
is ranked in the 2nd position of the highest
held in Delhi, India from 8th January till
28 Indian states and 50 cities from across
are able to take pictures alongside stunning
performing markets to the Maldives with
10th January 2020.
India.
images from the Maldives and post of social
a 99.3% increase in arrivals compared to
media to win goodie bags. Through this
previous years. MMPRC plans to continue
SATTE is one of the leading B2B travel
The Maldives stand is showcased at a 60
social media campaign, a raffle would also
this momentum of growth by conducting
exchange shows held in India. A total of
square meter stand designed to represent
be carried out for the opportunity to win
several marketing activities in India.
28 participants from 15 companies are
the unique underwater restaurants available
a 2-night stay in the Maldives. Visitors will
participating along with MMPRC. During the
in Maldives, with TV screens which feature
be able to taste authentic Maldivian snacks
3 days of SATTE, they will be meeting with
videos showing the different sides of
such as ‘Theluli bambukeyo’ and ‘Bondi’.
MALDIVES KICK STARTS OUTDOOR CAMPAIGN IN THREE LARGEST CITIES OF CHINA
An outdoor campaign kick started in
and five LED screens in Guangzhou’s five
roadshows, digital media campaigns along
Last year a total of 284,372 tourist arrived
the three largest cities of China, the top
biggest shopping malls will display Maldives
with press and celebrity familiarization trips
to Maldives from China. Chinese market
tourist arrival market to the Maldives.
through videos advertisements. Moreover,
for the Chinese market this year.
remains the number one market in terms of
This campaign is carried out in Beijing,
the unique experiences for tourists in
Guangzhou and Shanghai respectively.
Maldives will be featured on seven LED
Last year various activities including fairs,
Through this campaign Maldives will be
screens in Shanghai’s busiest metro station
roadshow in Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou
The milestone arrival of 1.5 million tourists
promoted as the most desired tourist
used by over 150,000 passengers daily.
&
trips
was achieved by Maldives 38 days ahead of
along with digital media campaigns were
time in 2019 with total arrivals reaching 1.7
In addition, Maldives Marketing & PR
carried out in China’s biggest social media
million by the end of year.
During this major campaign, 2000 LED
Corporation (MMPRC) will participate in
platforms, WeChat and Weibo to promote
screens in Beijing’s biggest office buildings
two travel trade fairs and conduct two
the destination.
destination for the Chinese market.
arrivals to Maldives.
Chengdu
and
familiarization
ROADSHOWS & FAIRS 05
OUTDOOR CAMPAIGNS LAUNCHED IN ITALY TO PROMOTE MALDIVES
Maldives Marketing & PR Corporation
advertisements,
renowned
for tourists in Maldives. This tram will be
including Online campaigns and outdoor
(MMPRC) launches an outdoor brand
travel agency Alpitour, which cater the
wrapped for a duration of three months and
campaigns.
visibility campaign in Italy to promote
highest number of tourists to Maldives and
its route consist of major tourist attractions
the destination. Through this campaign
2000 agency offices run under Alpitour
in Milan.
Maldives
the
will display the beauty of Maldives on
most desirable tourist destination for the
window displays. These offices are operated
MMPRC will continue marketing campaigns
total of 136,343 tourists from Italy visited
Italian market.
throughout Italy.
focusing Italy in 2020. In this regard,
Maldives. Italy is ranked as the third largest
MMPRC will participate in two major
market to Maldives in terms of arrivals. This is an increase of 29.5 percent to 2018.
will
be
promoted
as
and
Italy’s
Italy has been a traditional and important market to Maldives. By the end of 2019, a
During this major campaign 350 screens
Moreover, a tram travelling on the second
tourism fairs and organize press, influencer
in 14 different airports in Italy will display
largest city of Italy, Milan will be wrapped
and celebrity familiarization trips along
the beauty of Maldives through video
with the photos of most unique experiences
with joint campaigns with travel agencies
06 ROADSHOWS & FAIRS
MALDIVES PARTICIPATES IN THE BIGGEST TRAVEL AND TRADE FAIR IN NORTHERN EUROPE - MATKA 2020 professionals and will get exposure to over
various activities are held at the stand for
902 accredited media representatives from
visitors to experience a bit of Sunny side
Northern Europe to further develop and
of Life. Visitors are able to take pictures
strengthen the presence of the Maldives in
alongside images of the destination and
this region.
post it on social media to win a free holiday to the Maldives. Traditional snacks will be
With over 90 countries representing in
displayed for visitors to taste the authentic
MATKA, this fair is a platform to reach
local flavors of the Maldives.
professionals with highest decision-making capability, allowing to take advantage of
MATKA is a great platform to promote
media coverage to promote the destination.
Maldives to a prime audience. MMPRC hope
The four-day fair attracts a large number
to increase the number of tourist arrivals
of visitors from around the world. Based
from Northern Europe through MATKA and
on previous statics, over 64,589 visitors
other various marketing activities focused
and 935 exhibitors took part in the fair.
to this region. A total of 1.7 million tourists
Maldives Marketing & Public Relations
MATKA is the biggest tourism event in
Corporation
with
the Northern Europe and Baltic region.
Maldives is represented by a 60 square
the Maldives welcomed 57,370 visitors
industry,
A total of eleven participants from seven
meter stand, that is designed to highlight
from Northern Europe.
partakes in MATKA 2020 held in Helsinki,
companies are participating along with the
the natural beauty of the country. It is also
Finland from 16 January till 19 January
MMPRC officials. During the fair, they will be
complimented by videos featuring different
2020.
meeting with the top travel & trade industry
experiences of the destination. This year,
partners
(MMPRC),
from the
together
tourism
visited Maldives last year. In 2019 (till Nov)
MALDIVES SHOWCASED AT THE BIGGEST INTERNATIONAL TOURISM FAIR IN SPAIN - FITUR 2020 Maldives Marketing & Public Relations
sessions about the Maldives to win free
Corporation
with
gifts. In addition to this, the visitors will be
industry partners exhibits at the biggest
able to taste the local snacks like the famous
International Tourism Fair FITUR held
“Addu Bondi”, “Thelluli banbukeyo” as well
in Madrid, Spain from 22nd to 26th of
as “Kulhi Roshi”. To further strengthen the
January 2020.
destination presence at the fair, videos of
(MMPRC)
together
different segments will be showcased on MMPRC will be exhibiting in a 71.5sqm stand
the led screen at the stand.
showcasing the beauty of the destination. 24 companies with 41 representatives
This year, the destination will be showcased
will be representing their products at the
through an eye-catching outdoor video
Maldives stand. During the 5-day fair
ad with the Maldives stand number, at
they will be meeting with top travel trade
the Southern entrance of the fair. This is
tourism professionals to further strengthen
a prominent location and is expected to
the market performance to the Maldives.
increase the visitors to the stand.
companies from 165 countries and regions,
the end of 2019 a total of 36,064 arrivals
142,642 trade visitors and 110,848 visitors
were recorded from the market which is an
from the general public.
increase of 13.5 percent compared to the
Maldives stand will be located at Hall 6
FITUR is the global meeting point for tourism
designated for Asia and the Pacific countries.
professionals and the leading trade fair for
At the Maldives stand 6D08 different
inbound and outbound markets in Latin
Spanish market has been a promising market
taken by MMPRC to further increase the
activities will be carried out to interact with
America. Looking at the visitor statistics to
for the Maldives over the years. Observing
destination presence in Spain for the year
the visitors, such as participating at quiz
FITUR past years it has recorded 10,487
the Spanish arrivals to the Maldives, by
2020.
previous years. Several initiatives will be
GOVERNMENT 07
GERMANY-SCHENGEN VISA TEMPORARY BIO-METRIC CLINIC TO OPEN IN MALE’ IN FEBRUARY The
Ministry
of
Foreign
Affairs
has
for visas to travel to Germany, including
announced that the institution will host
those
a
visa
Tourismus-BĂśrse Berlin (ITB) Fair in March.
Biometric Clinic in Male’, organized by
Following the announcement by the Minister
the Embassy of the Federal Republic of
of Foreign Affairs, Abdulla Shahid and
Germany to the Maldives.
Ambassador of Germany, JĂśrn Rohde on
temporary
Germany-Schengen
participating
in
Internationale
16 December 2019, the Ministry of Foreign The Biometric Clinic is sponsored by
Affairs is also currently working with VFS
Maldives Marketing and Public Relations
Global to establish a permanent Schengen
Corporation (MMPRC) and will operate from
Visa Application Centre in Maldives, which
0900 hrs to 1800 hrs from 3 – 5 February
will begin operations in March 2020.
2019 at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Applicants can book appointments online,
For further information regarding the
until 1730 hrs of 25 January 2020.
Biometric Clinic, please visit the VFS website.
The temporary Clinic aims to ease the difficulties Maldivians face while applying
HUNGARIAN FOREIGN MINISTER SZIJJà RTÓ VOICES SUPPORT FOR MALDIVES TO BE GRANTED VISA-FREE STATUS BY EU Hungarian Minister of Foreign Affairs
management, food safety and tourism in
and Trade PĂŠter SzijjĂĄrtĂł has declared his
the country.
support for the initiative according to which the Republic of Maldives should be afforded
Minister SzijjĂĄrtĂł also briefed his negotiating
visa-free travel into the European Union.
partners on the Hungarian government’s energy and climate protection strategy,
During a meeting with his Maldivian
in view of the fact that the Maldives are
counterpart Abdulla Shahid in New Delhi
particularly endangered by the rise in sea
on 15th January, PĂŠter SzijjĂĄrtĂł expressed
level being cause by climate change, and
Hungary’s
EU’s
in closing offered 15 scholarship places
decision to lift the economic sanctions it
for students from the Maldives to attend
had imposed on the island nation.
Hungarian universities.
According to MTI, Hungary’s Eximbank
Hungary and the Maldives mark the 45th
has opened a 30 million euro credit line to
anniversary of the establishment of their
promote Hungarian investments in water
diplomatic relations this year.
satisfaction
with
the
video news network of maldives
08 GOVERNMENT
MALDIVES TO ESTABLISH ‘BEACH SCOUTS’ IN 19 ISLANDS FOR TOURIST SAFETY Government of Maldives has opened
•
nominations for tourist scouts to be
Male’ and its suburban towns Villimale and Hulhumale’
stationed in 19 islands across the nation,
•
Addu
in an attempt to strengthen the safety
•
Thinadhoo (Vaavu Atoll)
of
•
Gan (Laamu Atoll)
•
Addu
•
Dhiffushi, Gulhi, Guraidhoo,
holidaymakers
visiting
the
tourist
destination. The Water Safety Programme conducted
Himmafushi, Maafushi, and
by the Ministry of Tourism in association
Thulusdhoo (Kaafu Atoll)
with the Maldives Police Service and armed
•
forces intends to ensure that the Maldives
Dhigurah and Hangnaameedhoo (Alif Dhaal Atoll)
remains a safe place for tourists. The
•
Dharavandhoo (Baa Atoll)
programme was introduced to address
•
Rasdhoo, Ukulhas, and Thoddoo (Alif
the security and safety measures among
Alif Atoll)
tourists in Maldives during beach and water activities as the destination has seen an
The ‘Beach Scouts’ will be tasked with
increase in the number of drownings over
providing safety briefing, details of the
the past year.
island and weather to tourists as well as ensuring their safety in the water.
Nineteen islands have been identified for the
serve as a first responder in any rescue or
luxury
help needed.
industry has witnessed an expansion with
first phase of the nationwide programme.
Tourism Ministry has stated that applicants
Each housing more than 100 tourist beds,
should be familiar with locations safe for
Maldives is a top leading tourist destination
the islands include:
swimming, able to provide first aid and
for tourists worldwide with award-winning
resorts
and
guesthouses.
The
over 20 new properties opened during the previous year.
GOVERNMENT 09
MMPRC REINVENTS ITSELF AS ONE OF THE BEST PERFORMING GOVERNMENT ENTITIES OF 2019 MMPRC, the government body mandated
were conducted by MMPRC to facilitate in
with the promotion of Maldives as a tourist
achieving this target.
destination, has reinvented itself as one of the best-performing government entities of
Thoyyib also highlighted in November that
2019 despite the huge corruption scandal
it is the first time the Maldives is marketed
that rocked the country. According to
not only on traditional media platforms
current statistics, it is widely expected that
but on modern and creative media as
the year 2020 will be the best year for
well. He said, “Global tourism is changing.
tourism in Maldives tourism history.
The millennial traveler wants more than a relaxing holiday. Today the keyword is
Under the leadership of new Managing
experiential tourism and we are working
Director Thoyyib Mohamed, MMPRC has
hard to maintain position as the most
for travelers in all major markets this
industry stakeholder opinions are taken
achieved milestone arrival of 1.5 million
sought after destinations in the world.”
year.
into consideration more weighty via direct
They
include
fairs,
roadshows,
familiarization trips, outdoor campaigns
tourists 38 days ahead of time and total tourist arrivals reaching 1.67 million by
MMPRC continues to work closely with
and joint campaigns targeted to 23 different
the end of the year. In 2019, more than
industry stakeholders and has planned
markets.
130 events including fairs, roadshows,
various activities to promote the Maldives
According
media FAM trips, and joint campaigns
further as the most preferred destination
MMPRC is very clear about their plans &
to
industry
visits, forums, seminars & emails.
stakeholders,
TOURISM MINISTRY TO HOST ‘VISIT MALDIVES DESTINATION SHOWS’ Tourism Ministry will be hosting Visit
Applications are now open for all interested
Maldives Destination Shows in 2020.
local artists to perform at the Visit Maldives
The ministry informs that these shows
Destination Shows. They are required to
will be aimed at showcasing the unique
send their applications before 19th January
destinations of the Maldives and to provide
2019, 2pm. Islands that are interested to
a platform for talented local artists. The
host the shows are also required to send
shows will be held in the Maldives and
their applications before 19th January
abroad, the Ministry informs.
2019, 2pm.
TOURISM MINISTRY CALLS ON PUBLIC TO SUBMIT OPINIONS FOR AMENDMENTS TO MINISTRY’S POLICIES Ministry of Tourism has announced for
2. Policy Number R-43/2015: Safety
the public to submit their opinions for
procedures in resorts against fire
amendments to the Ministry’s policies.
incidents policy
The deadline for submission is 23rd January 2020, 1400hrs.
3. Policy Number R-11/2011: Wedding vows renewal ceremonies for tourists policy
The Ministry announced for public’s view for the following policies:
The Ministry informs that they will be
1. Policy Number R-19/2011:
calling for public’s opinion on various other
Accumulation of information for Maldives tourism statistics policy
policies as well.
10 GOVERNMENT
MALDIVES WELCOMES FIRST VISITOR OF 2020
Hon. Ali Waheed and the Managing Director
“The Middle East and GCC region are
of MMPRC Thoyyib Mohamed. He was
important markets for us with its high yield,
presented with a congratulatory certificate
easy accessibility, and potential for growth.
and special gifts by MMPRC.
A lot of activities were carried out for the market last year and we plan to do more
He received a complimentary holiday
this year. We are having a campaign with
package sponsored by Furaveri Island
Vogue Arabia this January to kick off the
Resort & Spa, presented by the minister.
2020 campaign for this market” he added.
Moreover, he also received return flight
The milestone arrival of 1.5 million tourists
tickets to the Maldives from Gulf Air,
was achieved by Maldives 38 days ahead
along with a gift package from Ooredoo
of time in 2019 with total arrivals reaching
Maldives.
1.67 million by the end of the year. In 2019, more than 130 events including fairs,
Speaking at the event, the Managing
roadshows, media FAM trips, and joint
Director of MMPRC, Thoyyib Mohamed
campaigns were conducted by MMPRC
reflected back on the marketing activities of
to facilitate in achieving this target.
the previous year and the efforts to increase arrivals this year. “We are satisfied with the
MMPRC has planned various activities to
marketing activities we did last year. I expect
promote the Maldives further as the most
to see the outcome of those activities in the
preferred destination for travelers in all
coming days. We are targeting to achieve
major markets this year. They include fairs,
With the beginning of a new decade, the
the Maldives Airports Company Limited
more in 2020. Maldives Year in Russia
roadshows, familiarization trips, outdoor
Maldives has warmly welcomed the first
(MACL), Maldives Immigration, Furaveri
would be one of the many new initiatives
campaigns and joint campaigns targeted to
visitor of 2020 this morning at Velana
Island Resort & Spa, Gulf Air, and Ooredoo
which will be launched this year as part
23 different markets.
International Airport. The lucky winner Mr.
Maldives.
of the diversified marketing activities for 2020” said Thoyyib.
Mohamed Alamer from Bahrain, arrived at the Maldives for vacation with his
The stamping of the first visitor’s passport
wife Ms. Sara Aljasim via Gulf Air
by the Maldives Immigration commenced
As the first tourist of the year is from
GF144. He was received by officials from
the event where Alamer was escorted to the
Bahrain, Thoyyib highlighted stressed the
Maldives Marketing and Public Relations
VIP Lounge by MMPRC staff. Alamer was
importance of this market for Maldives
Corporation
then welcomed by the Minister of Tourism
tourism.
(MMPRC),
together
with
GOVERNMENT
MALDIVES BREAKS RECORD WITH 1.7 MILLION TOURIST ARRIVALS IN 2019
11
Tourism Ministry has announced that the
This was followed by American countries
total tourist arrivals in 2019 have reached
(5%) with 84,793 tourists, Middle East
1.7 million.
(3.5%) with 60,003 tourists and Africa with 18, 698 tourists.
According to the statistics by the Ministry, 171, 292 tourists visited the Maldives in
The top 10 country-wise markets were
the month of December making the total
China (16.7%), India (9.7%), Italy (9.7%),
tourist arrivals in 2019 to 1,702,831. This
Germany (8%), UK (7.7%).
is a 14.7% increase compared to 2018. This is a record amount of tourist arrivals in the
The most significant increase in 2019
history of Maldives tourism.
tourist arrivals was from India with 166,015 tourists and an 83.5% increase compared
The strongest performance region-wise in
to the previous year.
2019 was from Europe (49%) with a 14.8% increase and 833,904 tourists.
Maldives achieved its target of 1.5 million tourist arrivals on November 24, 2019.
The second strongest performance was
While 1.6 million tourists had visited the
from Asia & the Pacific (41.4%). There were
country by December 15, the number
705,117 tourists from this region in the
increased to 1.7 million by the end of the
year. This is a 13.5% increase compared to
year.
2018.
TRAVEL AGENCIES REQUESTED TO SUBMIT ANNUAL REPORT TO PREVENT TERMINATION The Ministry of Tourism has requested all
their agency permit revoked. According
travel agencies to submit their annual report
to the principles of the permission to run
for the year 2019 before 14:00hrs, 31st
the agency under sector 8; Every year,
January 2020. The announcement states
companies are supposed to hand in a report
that the agencies that are unable to submit
to the tourism Ministry.
their report by the deadline would have
MINISTRY OF TOURISM TAKES PREVENTIVE MEASURES ON EMERGENCE OF CORONAVIRUS IN CHINA The Ministry of Tourism of Maldives in
precautionary and no cases have been
collaboration with the stakeholder agencies
identified in Maldives.
and partners has announced that all measures have been taken to prevent and
The highest priority of the Government of
protect the health and well-being of the
Maldives is given to ensure that all visitors
Maldivian public and the tourists following
are safe and protected and all possible
the emergence of Novel Coronavirus in
measures necessary are implemented.
China. The Health Protection Agency of Maldives has begun entry screening at Velana International Airport. The Ministry further informs that these measures are
12
MARKET OVERVIEW
MALDIVES TOURISM INDUSTRY Introduction
this region in the year. This is a 13.5%
connections between Male and important
2023. As per the past growth trends of the
This market report looks into a brief
increase compared to 2018. This was
Indian cities such as New Delhi, Bangalore
markets, Maldives is expected to welcome
overview into the Maldives tourism industry
followed by American countries (5%) with
and Mumbai.
1.8 million tourists in 2020, reaching 2.5
for the year 2019, including the key
84,793 tourists, Middle East (3.5%) with
markets and the highlights along with the
60,003 tourists and Africa with 18, 698
The Germany and USA market also
future forecast of the demand and supply
tourists.
continued to show increase as the previous
According to the forecast, if the slow
years while other markets Italy, UK, Russia,
growth of Chinese market continues, while
of the industry for the next 4 years. Tourism
million tourists by 2023.
industry is the largest economic industry in
Looking at the top 10 country-wise markets,
France, Japan and Australia showed a
the Indian market continues to grow, Indian
the Maldives. It plays a significant role in
though China market has continued to be
steady increase.
will surpass the Chinese market to become
contributing towards the economic growth,
in the top, after no increase in the growth
earning foreign exchanges and creates
for the past 3 years, the market had a 0.3%
Looking into the supply, with over 20 new
employment opportunities in the tertiary
increase in 2019. Indian market, which was
resorts opened in 2019, there were 927
sector.
at 5th place in 2018 with 66,955 tourists,
tourist centres registered by the end of
As per the market growth by region, Europe
jumped to the 2nd position with a whopping
2019.
Traditionally, the tourist centres
market will remain the top market but
Current Status
166,030 tourist arrivals in 2019 and India
mainly
compromised
resorts,
the Asia and the Pacific market will keep
According to the statistics by the Ministry
showed the highest growth rate with 83.5%
however with the emergence of local
increasing as well. The American market
of Tourism, 2019 proved to be one of the
in 2019.
island tourism in 2017, guesthouses have
and African is expected to increase almost
opened new options for even the budget
a double by the end of 2023. As per the
most successful years with reaching target
the largest market for Maldives tourism
of
the
industry.
of 1.5 millionth tourist arrival on November
India is now one of the fastest growing
travelers. Every year Maldives has witness
supply, the government has announced
24th, Maldives welcomed a record amount
outbound tourism markets in the world,
over 1000 new operating bed capacity from
that tourism sector will increase 1,300
of 1,702,831 tourists. This was a 14.7%
second only to China. The United Nations
guesthouses itself.
beds in 2020 with 13 new resorts and 74
increase compared to 2018.
World Tourism Organization (UNWTO)
guesthouses.
estimates that India will account for
By the end of 2019, the tourist centres
After slowing in 2018, tourist arrivals
50 million outbound tourists by 2020.
include 152 resorts, 12 hotels, 607
Maldives will need the operating bed capacity
rebounded during the first half of 2019 and
Maldives
closer
guesthouses and 156 safaris. All this
to be at 53,078 by 2020 to generate 70%
continued to do so throughout the year.
to the Indian market contributes to this
combined gave an accumulated operating
bed night occupancy of 13 million. This will
Europe has been the strongest region for
growth. In addition to this, the emergence
bed capacity of 49, 924. This was a 13.9%
require 2.2 million tourists on an average
the Maldives for the past few years and
of more airlines and routes has increased
growth in the operating bed capacity for
of 6 nights. However as per the forecast,
even in 2019. In 2019 tourist arrivals from
the availability of options for the Indian
2019 compared to 2018.
by end of 2020 Maldives is expected for 11
Europe (49%) was with a 14.8% increase
travelers.
being
geographically
and 833,904 tourists. The second strongest
million actual bed nights with occupancy
Future Forecast
at 61%. By the end of 2023, with 63,937
performance was from Asia and the Pacific
Indian budget carriers such as GoAir,
The government has aimed to set new
operating bed capacity, for 70% bed night
(41.4%). There were 705,117 tourists from
Spice Jet and Indigo have launched direct
target of 2.5 million annual arrivals by
occupancy, Maldives requires 16 million
MARKET OVERVIEW
bed nights. This will require 2.7 million
the average ADR considerably since these
with tourism marketing policies by focusing
tourists on an average stay of 6 nights. But,
markets will account to over 30% of the
on key European markets. Either by giving
according to the forecast, by end of 2023
total tourist arrivals to the Maldives by
incentives to fly to Maldives or bilateral
Maldives is expected receive 15 million bed
2023.
government talks can help to boost the
nights with an average occupancy at 67%.
routes from Europe to Maldives. It’s
Conclusions – Recommendations
important to identify top 15 markets for
But the worrying factor is the with the ever-
It’s important to have more European
long-term and focus on air connectivity to
growing Asian market, the average stays
connectivity focused on our traditional
these to ensure that expected arrival figures
could be lower and thus resulting in much
European markets if we want to maintain
are met.
lower bed nights even with an increase in
a better average stay and ADR. Thus,
total tourist arrivals. Since ADR is lower
with fewer arrivals’ figures can provide
Key Findings
for Indian and Chinese markets, another
better overall tourism receipts. Aviation
•
concerning factor is that this could reduce
industry policies of Maldives must align
•
Indian market to overtake Chinese market by 2021
•
Indian and Chinese market to have 30% market share by 2023
•
Europe to remain the largest market by region
•
Average Daily Rate and Average Stay to fall with increase in Asian markets
•
Operating bed capacity to increase by average 8%
Total tourist arrivals to reach 2.5 million by 2023
13
14
MARKET OVERVIEW Current Maldives Tourism Context
from guest houses by positioning as a
Tourism in the Maldives is operating in a
secluded one-island-one-resort concept
disparate context compared to its earlier
incorporating further value propositions,
days. Over the past years, Maldives has
this unique proposition is becoming more
seen two notable changes that led to how
challenging to capitalize. Guesthouses offer
tourism is regulated in the country. Like any
almost similar offering and many of these
other economic system, our regulatory and
guest houses even offer private beaches and
political factors play a pivotal role in the
almost the same level of service offerings
whole industry and how the competitive
with much more cheaper rates.
dynamics form its shape. This includes how investment decisions are made in the
Way Forward
industry and the flow of demand and supply.
The future of the Maldives lies on its clever
These are all determining factors that relate
moves. It needs a clear and well-considered
to how the attractive Maldives would be in
strategy
today’s global competition.
dynamics. A well-executed strategy will
under
the
current
market
act as a panacea for the rising challenges.
THE FUTURE OF MALDIVES TOURISM SUCCESS LIES ON ITS STRATEGIC EXCELLENCE BY ANIL ADAM MANAGING PARTNER AT PEACOCK CONSULTING
The current Maldivian political context
For Maldives tourism, planning without
is playing a crucial role in shaping
a sound strategy is no different than
our tourism’s future. Over the years,
sailing off without a rudder. Our tourism’s
political development had resulted in the
eventualities, in such a case, will be an
introduction of various taxes. Maldives now
industry that gets buffeted in the rough seas
has a number of tourism taxes to support
of competition. Our tourism needs a calm
the growing developmental needs. Like
and Blue Ocean as we had in its heyday.
any other industry, the level of taxation is a crucial factor that determines the
On developing a sound strategy, Maldives
competitiveness
tourism.
need to focus on some of the pillars that
Maldives need to ensure that these taxes
uphold our tourism uniqueness. The rising
are implemented in unison with its value
number of beds are not proportionately
creation model.
translating to occupancy growth. At first,
of
Maldives
Maldives needs to implement a cohesive The second dimension is the social reforms
long-term plan on how it would manage the
that are sparking in the Maldives, which
supply and demand into the industry and
are catalyzed due to political reforms.
secondly, it requires a winning destination
This is driven by interest groups including
strategy to leap ahead of the competition.
resort workers, guesthouse associations, travel agents’ associations and such similar
Such a strategy should constitute a unique
groups who are becoming more vocal and
destination marketing effort linked to
active. This has led to laxing of some of
more relevant measurement indicators.
the laws including revoking of regulations
The total number of tourists arriving in the
compete in international trade.
that confined tourism to uninhabited
Maldives is less relevant when the demand
islands. The official statistics from the
is sluggish and the supply is overflowing. A
global media, the Maldives is referred to
Today, countries are striving to become
Ministry of Tourism shows that this led to
picture with such a developmental statistic
as a paradise on earth. It is one of the top
more
the proliferation of guesthouses, which
alone is so untrue. Rather, more relevant
bucket-list destinations for soon-to-be-wed
added investment and better planning.
sparked an upward trend in the number
indicators would be the average occupancy
honeymooners.
Other than the Maldives, more paradises
of beds over the last couple of years.
in the Maldives, the average length of stay,
From 2013 to 2017, the guesthouses have
the growth rates of product segments and
sustained an average bed growth of over 40
Average Room Rate (ARR) to name some.
Maldives tourism has been referred to
Nations, the world’s Human Development
as the “chicken that lays the golden egg”.
Index (HDI) has risen from 5.98 in 1990 to
It is the lifeblood of our economy. Over
0.731 in 2018 (of which index above 0.700
the years, it has gone through several
is considered high). This sparks countries to
evolutions that positioned it as one of the niche destinations in the world. In the
internationally
competitive
with
are popping up across the world. The world The success of Maldives tourism is coupled
has learned the success of island tourism
with many factors, including its one-island-
concepts and are in an endeavor to imitate
one-resort concept, attractive tax regime
it. Although travelers once did an exclusive
and lack of supply that translated to
trip to the Maldives, there is a growing trend
favorable investment returns. Even today,
that shifts Maldives as a combined holiday
the average resort investment recovery
destination. It is expected that this trend
in the Maldives is 8 years and Return on
will become more pervasive in the future
Investment (ROI) is between 12 to 15
with more competitive travel offers. Thus,
percent. However, one question that looms
Maldives cannot afford to put its mind at
on my mind is how long can this Maldives
rest in the changing market reality. Our
sustain this advantage?
share of wallet from these travelers may further be subjected to cannibalization
The world we inherited today is witnessing
without a winning strategy. Maldives needs
various changes. Countries, even the ones
to enhance its strategic excellence that can
that were plagued with developmental
create a competitive advantage in the rising
challenges, are prospering. As per the United
destination rivalry.
percent while, during the same period, the resorts segment was able to retain a growth
From the competitive strategy perspective,
of just over 6 percent. A starker reality is
Maldives need to develop its comparative
emerging in the occupancy aspects of these
advantage, which its rivals could hardly
two segments. From 2013 to 2017, resorts
imitate, at least, not in a very short run.
have an average occupancy decline of 2.95
It requires a novel marketing strategy
percent whilst guest houses were able to
to
secure a growth 14.39 percent occupancy
novel marketing strategy, when executed
during the same period.
triumphantly, would help to attain a strong
stimulate
brand
differentiation.
A
brand leadership status for Maldives in From the investment perspective, the
the global competition. Attaining such a
resorts are subjected to higher investments
position necessitates Maldives cater for
and risks whilst the guesthouses have a
diversified travelers and their evolving
minimal
needs and our destination brand “Maldives”
investment.
Although
resorts
were able to withstand the competition
to leapfrog in its marketing.
MARKET OVERVIEW 15 Developing brand leadership
potential and existing customer base, it
For such innovative initiatives to thrive,
customers’ core motivations and delivering
A destination brand like any other brand
would also help a traveler maturing from
economic incentives are vital and can be
to their deep-rooted, unspoken emotional
requires viewing from a different lens. A
one product or service to move to another
possible with a strong funding mechanism.
needs would be the next big thing Maldives
brand constitutes more than the functional
product or service, thus, helping Maldives
Maldives need a promising investment
could do to sustain a calm Blue Ocean for
attributes. A successful brand is wrapped in
to prolong the travelers’ life cycle in the
ecosystem and our capital market holds
the near future. The current “Sunny Side of
a bundle of various functional and emotional
Maldives.
great prospects for it. An internationally
Life” and its sub slogans are compelling and
integrated capital market will help our
overarching themes. However, they require
attributes, which together forms a complete brand. In addition to the functional
To establish a diversified product portfolio,
tourism investors to be less reliant on
subsequent creative stories and further
elements, including the accommodation
Maldives
condos,
foreign banks, which are not at disposal for
campaigns to richly inculcate the brand
offerings, food and beverage options,
events of all sorts, entertainment brands,
many Maldivian companies and share the
“Maldives” in our visitors’ minds and reap
transportations, entertainment offerings,
enhanced cultural and arts experiences,
wealth of our tourism more equitably.
its real competitive returns.
the emotional appeal of our destination
food and beverage innovations, creative
needs to be augmented.
travel arrangements and so on. It needs a
More holds true in the emotional aspects of
Maldives
top-ranked hotel management institute to
Maldives’ tourism brand on how it translates
potential. Realizing it requires a long-term
In developing the functional attributes,
supply talented human resources. Many
to competitive advantage. Investing in our
integrated planning approach. It requires
Maldives need to invest in enhancing its
of these concepts may take a while to gain
brand from an emotional track would help
taking a strategic perspective by creating
product portfolio. It requires novel product
momentum. It may, in fact, not succeed.
Maldives to develop a deep intrinsic bond
an advantage in its rich history, grows
concepts in its march towards a diversified
However, such product testing needs to be
with travelers, promotes organic growth,
a diversified portfolio and developing a
product portfolio. Having a diversified
initiated to stimulate innovations and turn
make Maldives as a destination more
unique emotional rhythm that will create
product portfolio would not only help
Maldives tourism even as an incubation
unique and becoming less price-sensitive
resounding value.
Maldives to cast a wider net on all our
platform as is the case of Silicon Valley.
over
needs
timeshares,
rival
destinations.
Tapping
tourism
truly
holds
greater
into
GROWING MUSLIM TRAVEL MARKET OF UK The Muslim travel market has enjoyed
in the UK, the majority of whom are second
unparalleled growth over the last decade. A
and third generation, and their appetite to
decade ago, the term “halal-friendly” travel
travel is equal to that of their non-Muslim
didn’t exist. The industry was familiar with
peers.
adventure, solo and even kosher travel, so it was strange to think that the second-largest
The widespread misunderstanding as to
religion in the UK, according to the 2011
what the Muslim travel market is and what
census, was completely under served.
Muslim travelers seek, incorrectly narrows
destination among the Muslim travelers.
over the next decade, if destinations invest
the market needs down to women-only
Another significant, need is for Muslim
in the relevant services and facilities and
In the UK and many other developed
beaches and alcohol-free hotels. However,
travelers to feel safe given the evident rise
the travel trade improves its knowledge of
nations, the Muslim travel market shares
having access to halal food, alcohol-free
in Islamophobic incidents.
the sector.
many similarities to the mass travel market,
personal spaces (for example, rooms),
however it is the difference between the
privacy for those special occasions and
The Muslim travel market has the potential
Read more on Muslim travel being one of
two that seems to perplex the industry.
being able to fulfill prayer obligations
to become a significant contributor to the
the largest untapped UK markets at Travel
There are more than three million Muslims
are key considerations when choosing a
UK inbound and outbound travel industry
Trade Gazette, known as TTG.
16 PEOPLE 3. What advice would you give to the younger kids who want to So it’s a people’s business. And you need pursue a career in the industry? yourself, because what you do is all day
long you deal with people for people.
to be able to explain the right thing, you
My advice would be to speak to the children
need to understand which language is your
to give them an advice to make them
opponent speaking, to choose the right
understand that where ever they start will not
words, always have in mind that your point
be where they finally end up. So they need
of view is most probably not his experience
to be patient. What they need to understand
level. What expectation which has been
and that one of the nicest experiences you
raised is a challenge so being aware about
can make in life is making someone happy.
your capabilities I think is the biggest
And if you work in hospitality you will have
challenge I faced and it’s not touching on
the chance of doing this daily. So and this
one specific sector. So, it’s in the food and
is I think the best motivation to share with
beverage department, in the house keeping
your children because what we do mostly
department, transportation department
is that we a driven by tasks. But we are
but as well in sales and marketing,
creating memories and sometimes this can
advertisement. So this has been the biggest
be difficult. So to advise them to be patient.
challenges to understand who I am, what can I do, where I am good at, how can I support best.
2. What are some of the most notable successes in your career?
PATRICK HOFFMANN RESIDENT MANAGER, HERITANCE AARAH
I think I see some challenges. Maldives is a beautiful place to be and in history is has been a luxury spot. Now this is
Definitely one of my successes has been the
changing slowly and with this changes the
openings I went through. Starting, building
government would need to make sure the
something from the scratch. First time in
infrastructure is given to keep the beauty
Slovenia I have been not in a management
of this spot. Because this is the biggest
position but as an assistant manager. Going
challenge. As more humans you will
out of your cultural comfort zone, going in
bring, more challenging it will be for the
to a new culture which you do not speak the
environment. And to find the right balance
language, where you are not understanding
between regulations and the freedom to
history because it has not been a part of
experience the beauty, the nature but as
your life. So learning something in action
well the beauty of the culture. This is I think
rather than reading a book or listening to
a challenge to find out. Therefore, you need
a class or training this has been one of my
to the right infrastructure.
biggest successes to understand that with
1. What are some of the hospitality industry for more than 22 years challenges you have faced?
all the experience and all the culture you
now. He’s also headed a few resort pre-
The biggest challenge is mostly I believe is
way there is always a different possibility to
openings in Maldives over the course of one
coming with the person itself. So you need
achieve a goal and to be open for this and
and a half years. He’s currently the Resident
to groom yourself, you need to educate
not being reluctant on saying but this is the
Manager at Heritance Aarah.
yourself and you need to be patient with
right way of doing.
Patrick Hoffmann has been working in the
4. What do you see in the future for tourism in Maldives?
have by yourself. There is always a different
PEOPLE
17
but now we have wine cellar with cocktail
you look at the number of passengers arrive
together, paired with food.
in this country the number of hotels that are opening just doesn’t match and occupancy
Our spa is located in the adult island
is dropping.
to avoid kids, thus giving couples more romantic atmosphere. The third bar is
I think when the government said they
underwater together with all the 2 other
would do the target for 3 million tourists,
restaurant we call that complex ‘Nilofaru’.
by the time they reach that target, this
Our Mediterranean restaurant is called
hotel will be doing good. But I think it will
Alifaan and Mahurab which is the 3rd bar
be a lot of challenges for the transportation
on the water. That’s our main bar.
and airport and all the other facilities needs to be doubled up too. Right now,
2. What are some challenges you have faced and what have been some of your accomplishments?
1.6 million tourists come to this country,
I think it’s just I believe my success is the
for the government wise and for us if the
work of my team. I think rest will come and
government bring the 3 million tourists, we
go but growing your team is what I’m proud
will be very happy.
we have just enough service available for them. I think there it will a lot of challenge
of. Even this hotel, I have my old managers,
ZAFER AGACAN GENERAL MANAGER, RADISSON BLU MALDIVES
3. What are some advices you’d I can tell that 80% of my managers worked like to give the youth interested in with me before. That’s I think the success the hospitality industry? I bring them here from previous hotels and
in developing your team and I’m proud of
I want to tell them to work hard and don’t
that.
expect to be general manager right after finishing the school. Because I saw some
The Radisson Blu Maldives is very unique
kids that as soon as they finish the school,
Zafer Agacan has been working in the field
All our rooms have swimming pools and
place at the moment because we have very
they think they are going to be a manager
of hospitality for over 20 years and in the
they are very spacious. They are 8 metres
easily accessible by seaplane and domestic
because they studied. But it’s a hard work
Maldives since 2004. Currently the General
by 2 and half metres pools for each room.
plane which makes our lives much easier.
and it’s a long way to go. Today people
Manager at one of the most anticipated
We have only 23 beach villas and rest of
resort developments in Maldives, Radisson
them are water villas. We have 7 food and
I think the only challenge I can say is finding
can work in middle east they can work in
Blu Maldives, he shares some views on
beverage outlets which includes our main
local talents. I think that is biggest problem
Europe and work in any Asian country. I
hospitality in Maldives.
fine dining restaurant, the Nikaya concept
in Maldives at the moment. Because we
think that makes us to a little bit trouble.
Japanese restaurant, Mediterranean grill
do not have enough of local talent. If you
I think we work for travel industry. I think
1. What can you say about Radisson Blu Maldives?
restaurant, fish and meet, and then we have
look may be 7 or 8 years ago when we have
what they should do they should just listen
Raha which is an Asian influenced all day
only 78 resort it was easier to find the local
the managers they should learn and they
Radisson Blu Maldives is our first resort in
dining restaurant. In addition to this we also
talent. But now the numbers doubled up.
should be patient. Because success will
Maldives and is our flagship property. We
have the lab which is our new F&B concept.
It is pretty hard I think is not a lot of hotel.
follow if they have the hard work there.
have 128 villas and we have an adult island.
In Maldives everyone has the Wine cellars
I think it’s all populated at the moment. If
here have the opportunity to grow, they
RADISSON BLU RESORT MALDIVES APPOINTS PRIYANKA TELI AS SALES MANAGER Radisson Blu Resort Maldives has appointed
She then moved to Fushifaru Maldives
Priyanka Teli as its new Sales Manager.
as Sales and Marketing Executive. Within 2 years at Fushifaru, she managed to
Priyanka started in the hospitality industry
climb up the leadership ladder to become
with JW Marriott Juhu Mumbai, the
the Associate Sales and Marketing Manager
iconic flagship property for JW Marriott
prior to her move to Radisson Blu Resort
in India as a coordinator in Training and
Maldives.
Development and found her way into the system. She later moved to ITC Fortune
Situated on the private island of Huruelhi,
Group, where she ventured into sales and
Radisson Blu Resort Maldives can be
marketing was considered and trusted with
reached by a 25-minute seaplane journey
by the General Manager of the property Mr.
from Velana International Airport (MLE), or
Chetan Bhatnagar: Fortune Select Exotica
a 20-minute domestic flight from the MLE
Navi Mumbai. This served as a foundation
airport to Villa Airport Maamigili (VAM),
for her at Sales and Marketing with high
followed by a 15-minute speedboat ride to
exposure into the corporate segment.
the resort.
18 PEOPLE guests leave being exceptionally happy and
biggest success. I’ve been very lucky to have
they are very sad to be leaving. Yes, it’s
worked with lots of different management
expensive but we over-deliver.
teams… but to see those managers grow and develop their careers has been
3. What other properties have you worked in the Maldives?
incredibly satisfying. In Maldives, one of my
I opened Centara Grand in South Ari Atoll
a GM in a Maldives resort. Another resort
and then I worked at Atmosphere Kanifushi.
manager I brought to Maldives 6 years ago
I’ve worked at Loama, briefly it was an
also a GM now. Being able to mentor people
Accor property… we were going to rebrand
and help their careers grow has been the
as MGallery. Unfortunately, that project
most rewarding. I think that is the key to
didn’t proceed. Then I transferred here to
my success.
resort managers of 10 years ago is currently
take over Mercure and the pre-opening, and finally opened Pullman.
4. Can you talk a little bit about the differences between Pullman and Mercure?
Your advice to those seeking to pursue a career in the industry? I think hospitality is the most amazing industry in the world. You can start anywhere you want, and you can achieve
Mercure is a beautiful boutique little resort
anything you want. You just need to have the
that I took over in December 2018. It’s an
passion and you have to keep the passion.
extraordinary small property located on
You can never become cynical. You have to
Kooddoo. With a boutique style property,
keep loving the people and you have to want
you can have a complete different service
to deliver that expectation to the guest. You
staff and Mercure is our 4-star brand.
need to actually feel it in your bones that
It’s a very relaxed service style and very
this is something you want to do because if
professional and we have a lot of fun there.
you’re trying to fake it, it doesn’t work. So, you have to love the industry and you have
Pullman is one of our upper upscale luxury
to have the passion.
brands. It is more of a contemporary style
fun. We have our four pillars: fitness, fun,
Some of the resorts in Maldives are very remote, located in the extreme ends of the country. Some consider this a disadvantage. What do you think about the properties being developed in faraway atolls like in Gaaf Alif atoll?
art and food. So here we have a concept
I think it’s great. To be honest, some people
resort so you’ll see a lot of art around the
JOHN BENDTSEN AREA GENERAL MANAGER, ACCORD HOTELS
property. A lot of big walls have mirrors. It’s a very young and happening environment and the demographic is 25 to 40-year-old travelers. It’s the adventure travelers who come to Pullman. They come for a sense of
John D. Bendtsen is the Area General
The second most challenging aspect is the
that is different from anywhere in the
look at us and say it’s a disadvantage being
Manager of Accor Hotels in Maldives.
people; as in the teams we develop, and the
Maldives. We have no butlers.
so far away from Malé. I think it’s actually an
He
in
cultures we develop within those teams. To
housekeeping and worked his way up
feel that culture growing and developing
The all-day dining restaurant has 6 à la
by other resorts. You actually get that
through 30 years of hard work to Assistant
within the first year of operations is an
minute stations and each live cooking
genuine one-island-one-resort concept.
General Manager, to General Manager, and
incredible gift.
station has its own nationality. So we have
You can’t see another resort just over there.
Chinese kitchen, Indian kitchen, Middle
At night, you can’t see the other resort’s
2. Having worked in all those countries all across the world, how did you end up in Maldives?
Eastern kitchen and so on. A massive
lights all around you so you genuinely get
variety of food. We have Phat Chameleon,
that full Maldivian experience.
I was working in Thailand at that time, and a
I guess we are among the few resorts in
Also, being located in an area that is being
headhunter asked if I would be interested in
Maldives that has an organic vegetarian
actively developed, the ocean is teeming with
working in Maldives. So I Googled Maldives
restaurant with vegan food as well because
life. The sea life hasn’t been scared away by
and found out that it was one of the most
the vegetarian food movement is the fastest
a hundred people snorkeling, scuba diving
challenging places to work as a hotelier. I
growing food movement in the world today.
and so on. Every time we go on our boats,
thought: this is fantastic! This is just what
We thought it was quite important to
we see dolphins. The sea life down here is
I think opening resorts and hotels is my
I like. I took the challenge and came over.
feature that, plus it also corresponds to the
incredible, plus I think it’s great for the local
biggest challenge. This property here is the
To me, it’s the most incredible place to
wellness mindset we are trying to influence
islands as well. We have a great relationship
eight opening of my career. I’ve opened
work and this is my fourth contract here.
to our guests and encourage them to eat
with the nearly local islands of Villingili and
hotels in Sydney, Australia, and Bangkok.
On and off, I have been here for 8 years. I
healthy.
Maamendhoo. We employ team members
I opened a resort in Maldives in 2009. I
have never seen water like we have in the
started
his
hospitality
career
now leads as Area General Manager of all Accor properties in The Maldives.
1. 30 years is a long time to have worked in the hospitality industry and no doubt you must have faced and overcome a lot of challenges in that time. What do you consider to be the most difficult challenges you have faced?
advantage because we are not surrounded
which is the organic vegetarian restaurant.
from both those islands. We also do a lot
What do you consider to be some a resort in Sri Lanka. I think opening resorts resorts and the service delivery we can of your biggest successes? opened three resorts in Mauritius. I opened
Maldives. I have never seen the quality of
of business with the local islands. We buy produce from them, we utilize their boats
in different countries other than your home
actually produce here. I think it’s the one
I think what I am most happy about is being
as well as their skill sets and mechanics. We
country is one of the biggest challenges.
country in the world I have worked where
able to help develop people. That’s the
buy fuel from them. Wherever possible we
PEOPLE 19 try to work with them, so it is a benefit for
the surrounding vegetation intact. What
year and you can see that reflected in the
bonus for us but I think you see a lot more
them and a benefit to us.
we’ve done is enhance the vegetation by
amount of new resorts that have opened in
innovative approaches to resort design. We
introducing more plants to that area and
Maldives. Everyone has a lot of confidence
are all striving for that point of difference,
blending the two together. The end result is
in the growth of Maldives. So, I think it’s
that unique selling point, as we call it, and
that you have a brand new resort that looks
brilliant.
to achieve that these days I think the new
Pullman Maldives Maamutaa’s landscaping is amazing! You have maintained and conserved the natural beauty of the island while developing a resort around it. This is very rare. What’s the story behind it?
like it’s a fully-grown forest. You don’t have one-foot tall trees so it gives that ambiance straight away.
developers coming up will have to try to be
What do you see in the future of the industry?
a lot more imaginative. It’s going to be a lot
I see a lot more innovation. I think now
with interesting new ideas.
more fun and they’ll need keep coming up
as people are developing resorts they
Now that we’re in 2020, what do make sense to basically bulldoze over the you have to say about the tourism existing trees and plants and then replant. industry of 2019?
are thinking innovatively. They are not
We had to clear some vegetation to
It was fantastic! The year-on-year growth
very contemporary in design. It’s not your
build, but we tried to clear just that spot,
of incoming tourists to the Maldives is quite
traditional Maldivian resort. Having a lake
replant as much as possible, and keep
astonishing. It’s consistently growing every
in the middle of the island is a natural
For us, as we developed the resort it didn’t
thinking to follow the same trends of the past. I mean, this property for example is
NUAS MOHAMED JOINS W MALDIVES AS DIRECTOR OF SALES AND MARKETING One of the most desirable names in the field
of Sales and Marketing. Nuas has also held
of Maldives tourism sales and marketing,
senior positions in sales and marketing at Six
Nuas Mohamed, has joined the business
Senses Laamu and also at Gili Lankanfushi
development team of W Maldives Resort.
for over 6 years.
This is in some way a home coming for Nuas, as he was among the early team member of
Commenting on this recent appointment,
sales of sales division at W Maldives when it
Hamza Saeed, the Product Director of Intour
opened doors in 2005.
Maldives said “it is very encouraging to see Maldivian talent taking top positions at
He has been working in hospitality for
international brands and famous properties
more than 15 years, starting off his career
in the Maldives, which means we have an
as a Butler and intentionally changing his
easier barrier when it comes to dealing with
career path to join sales and marketing at
such properties. We only wish Nuas best of
the award winning Huvafen Fushi, where he
luck in his new escape”.
most recently held the position of Director
RADISSON BLU RESORT MALDIVES APPOINTS AHMED NAUFAL AS DIRECTOR OF SALES Radisson Blu Resort Maldives has appointed
Executive to Cluster Assistant Reservations
Ahmed Naufal as Director of Sales.
Manager title. He has over 12 years of experience in the hospitality industry in
Naufal
worked
with
AccorHotels
the Maldives. He holds a Bachelors degree
resorts Raffles Maldives Meradhoo and
in Business Tourism Management from
Dhevanafushi Maldives Luxury Resort prior
Maldives National University.
to joining Radisson Blu Resort Maldives. He was the Associate Director of Sales
Situated on the private island of Huruelhi,
for 1 year 9 months at Dhevanafushi and
Radisson Blu Resort Maldives can be
held the post of Director of Sales at Raffles
reached by a 25-minute seaplane journey
Maldives Meradhoo.
from Velana International Airport (MLE), or a 20-minute domestic flight from the MLE
Naufal has also worked at Baros Maldives
airport to Villa Airport Maamigili (VAM),
for over 6 years where he climbed the
followed by a 15-minute speedboat ride to
way up starting from Reservations & Sales
the resort.
20 PEOPLE
GRAND PARK KODHIPPARU, MALDIVES PROMOTES KAPIL MATHUR TO DIRECTOR OF SALES
Grand Park Kodhipparu, Maldives has
Velana
promoted Kapil Mathur to Director of Sales.
Park Kodhipparu, Maldives is a luxurious
Possessing strong knowledge in the field of
one-island-one resort destination in the
sales, revenue management & reservations.
Maldives featuring a collection of 120 idyllic
Kapil started his career with The Oberoi,
beach-front pool villas, breathtaking over-
New Delhi, India in front office and gradually
water villas and spacious two-bedroom
progressed into reservations followed by
villas.
International
Designed by world-renowned hospitality Kapil moved to the Maldives 12 years
firm, Hirsch Bedner Associates, the resort is
ago and joined Universal Resorts in the
an oasis of luxury and tranquility featuring
reservations department where he served
open and breezy public spaces alongside
the company for nearly a decade until 2017.
modern interiors inspired by the Maldivian
He joined Grand Park Kodhipparu, Maldives
island, local traditions and crafts. An
in April 2017 as Revenue Manager. With
unrivaled
his keen interest in sales he soon became
includes an over water spa with seven
Assistant Director of Sales in January 2019
treatment
and then recently promoted to Director of
PADI dive facility, a recreation beach
Sales with effect from 1st January 2020
club, Little Explorers kids’ club, three
heading the entire sales department.
outstanding destination-dining offerings
Located on North Malé Atoll and a mere 20 minutes by speedboat from
Aalim Mohamed has been appointed
year prior to his move to Capella Hotels and
as the Director of Human Resources at
Resorts in Maldives.
Capella Hotels and Resorts in Maldives. Aalim has over 10 years of experience in
He will be leading the HR and Training
the hospitality industry. He has worked
function at Patina Maldives, which will
with Kanuhura Maldives, Huvafen Fushi,
be opening by end of this year. Capella’s
W Maldives and One and Only Reethi Rah
opening will be around 2022. Capella is
Maldives. He most recently worked at
Singapore-based company with several
The St. Regis Maldives Vommuli Resort as
resorts globally. Patina Maldives is the first
Director of Human Resources for over an
resort of its property in the Maldives.
Grand
revenue and finally sales.
range rooms,
and an infinity pool.
CAPELLA MALDIVES APPOINTS AALIM MOHAMED AS DIRECTOR OF HUMAN RESOURCES
Airport,
of
leisure a
facilities
fully-equipped
PEOPLE
CROSSROADS MALDIVES APPOINTS AUDRA ARUL AS CLUSTER DIRECTOR OF SALES AND MARKETING
21
CROSSROADS Maldives, the country’s
establishing a solid track record in hotel
largest integrated leisure and lifestyle
sales for various local and international
destination developed and operated by
hotel management companies, including
S Hotels and Resorts, has announced the
Hyatt and Marriott, in Kota Kinabalu,
appointment of Audra Arul as Cluster
Malaysia. After ten successful years, Ms.
Director of Sales and Marketing for the
Arul relocated to Bali, Indonesia, joining
complex, with responsibilities encompassing
Accor in her capacity as Director of Sales
its two newly opened hotels: SAii Lagoon
and Marketing for Le Meridien Nirwana Golf
Maldives, a Curio Collection by Hilton, and
and Spa. A year into this role, her duties
Hard Rock Hotel Maldives.
expanded and overlapped with concurrent pre-opening responsibilities for another Le
Audra Arul joins CROSSROADS Maldives
Meridien property, located on Hainan Island
to continue a successful career which
in southern China. In the next several years,
has focused on hotel sales and marketing
she subsequently pursued further hotel
with internationally recognized hospitality
commercial challenges, with successive
companies such as Accor, Marriott, Hyatt,
successful stints in Director of Sales and
and most recently, with Banyan Tree Hotels
Marketing roles in Hanoi, Vietnam, Yangon,
and Resorts. In her new role, Ms. Arul will
Myanmar and Phuket Thailand.
be responsible for the overall commercial objectives of CROSSROADS Maldives and
In 2016, Ms. Arul joined Banyan Tree
the two resorts, including achieving goals in
Hotels and Resorts as Area Director of
revenue generation, yield management and
Sales and Marketing based in Ho Chi Minh,
brand engagement.
Vietnam. After two years, she then relished the challenge of relocating out of Asia and
An international hospitality veteran with
moved to northern Africa, assuming the
more than two decades of experience,
position of Director of Sales and Marketing
Ms. Arul began her career journey by
for Banyan Tree Tamouda Bay, Morocco.
BANYAN TREE VABBINFARU AND ANGSANA IHURU APPOINTS EXECUTIVE CHEF MICHAEL ALI YUSUF Banyan Tree Vabbinfaru and Angsana Ihuru
changes and additional flavors that he will
have announced the appointment of the
bring in.
new Executive Chef, Michael Ali Yusuf. Banyan Tree Vabbinfaru and Angsana Michael brings with him 10 years’ culinary
Ihuru are located in North Male’ Atoll, just
experience working with luxury brands in
25 minutes away by speedboat from the
West Africa and Seychelles such as George
airport. The two resorts are just 2 minutes
Hotel by Mantis Collection, Hilton Labriz
by boat away from each other therefore
Seychelles and recently, The Legend Hotel
guests of each resort can enjoy the facilities
Lagos Curio Collection by Hilton.
of both including two of the most vibrant and well-preserved house reefs in the North
Michael has a strong background in Italian Cuisine and the culinary team of both islands are excited to welcome the new
Male’ Atoll.
22 AVIATION
HI FLY BECOMES THE WORLD’S FIRST AIRLINE TO OPERATE PLASTIC-FREE FLIGHTS From January 1st 2020, as pledged by
saving a total of 350 kilograms of plastic.
Portuguese airline Hi Fly President Paulo
Glass bottles were collected to be sanitized
Mirpuri in 2018, all Hi Fly’s own flights
and refilled and any card and paper were
are taking to the air without any single-use
gathered to be recycled.
plastic items on-board. “Over 100,000 flights take off each The company launched a plastic-free
day around the world and, last year,
trial on four flights last month, replacing
commercial aircraft carried nearly four
cutlery with compostable bamboo cups and
billion passengers. This number is expected
spoons. Salt and pepper shakers, bedding
to double again in less than 20 years. So,
packaging
butter
the potential to make a difference here is
pots, soda bottles, and toothbrushes were
clearly enormous,” President Paulo Mirpuri
swapped for more sustainable alternatives.
said.
dishes,
single-serve
According to Hi Fly, the trial, which took place over the New Year holiday period,
While the trial period has ended, Hi Fly is
was a success. More than 700 passengers
now committed to eliminating single-use
were
plastic from all flights.
served
sustainable
alternatives,
FOUR NEW AIRPORTS TO OPEN IN 2020 Four new airports being developed in the
airports from the Velaana International
Maldives are set to open in 2020, as per the
Airport,
Minister of Transport and Civil Aviation,
Airport, Gan International Airport, Villa
Hon. Aishath Nahula.
International Airport, Maafaru International
Hanimaadhoo
International
Airport, and domestic airports at Baa According to the Minister, these four airports
Dharavandhoo, Raa Ifuru, Th Thimarafushi,
are developed at Haa Alif Hoarafushi,
Dhaalu Kudahuvadhoo, Gaaf Alif Kooddoo,
Shaviyani Funadhoo, Lhaviyani Madhivaru,
Gaaf Dhaal Kaadedhoo, Laamu Kadhdhoo,
and Gaafu Dhaalu Maavarulu. Shaviyani
Haa
Funadhoo and Gaafu Dhaalu Maavarulu
Fuvahmulah airport.
Dhaal
Kulhudhuhfushi,
and
Gn.
airports are expected to open in the first
SRI LANKAN AIRLINES LAUNCHES SPECIAL 40KG BAGGAGE PROMOTION Ace Aviation Services Maldives, the general
for Kuala Lumpur, Bangkok and Singapore
sales agent for SriLankan Airlines has
(on Return Sector). Customers are advised
launched a special 40kg baggage promotion.
to book and travel till 31st March 2020
The offer is valid from passengers traveling
under this special promotion.
from Male’ and Gan and is applicable
quarter of 2020. Haa Alif Hoarafushi and
Establishing airports within 20 minutes
Lhaviyani Madhivaru airports are expected
of each habited island was a pledge of
to open in the second quarter of 2020.
the previous government and the current
There are 14 airports currently operating in
government is working toward the same
the Maldives. These include the international
goals.
AVIATION 23
ETIHAD AIRWAYS OPERATES ECO-FLIGHT FROM ABU DHABI TO BRUSSELS airspace navigation service provider Euro
demand for air travel. It is also a key priority
control to reduce fuel consumption and
of the Emirate of Abu Dhabi, in which
carbon emissions.
Etihad is a critical driver of both social and economic development.
A range of other initiatives were also undertaken before, during and after the
“This year’s national theme of the United
flight including fuel optimization measures
Arab Emirates is ‘2020: Towards the
and other actions in collaboration with
next 50’. Etihad is committed to working
partners including Brussels Airport and a
continuously with a range of partners
range of cabin service suppliers to highlight
as part of a broader national focus on
incremental opportunities to reduce the
environmental sustainability.”
airline’s impact on the environment.
Etihad
Airways
marked
Abu
The flight was timed to coincide with the
The 2020s are likely to be a decade with
start of Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week,
a huge focus on sustainable aviation. With
an annual event held in the UAE capital
the rising emphasis placed on aviation’s
to highlight sustainable initiatives across a
2.5% of global CO2 emissions, the industry
broad range of areas.
is looking to play its part. Etihad is off to a strong start in these regards.
Dhabi
Flight EY 57 departed on 13 January using a
Sustainability Week 2020 by operating
Boeing 787 Dreamliner aircraft, the newest
The Group Chief Executive Officer of
a special ‘eco-flight’ from Abu Dhabi to
and most efficient type in the Etihad fleet,
Etihad Aviation Group, Tony Douglas,
At the Dubai Airshow, the airline announced
Brussels, featuring a range of initiatives
which consumes at least 15% less fuel than
said: “Sustainable practice is a critical and
a partnership with Boeing to trial green
designed to illustrate the airline’s broad
any aircraft type previously flown by the
continuing challenge for the air transport
technologies on one of its Boeing 787
commitment to sustainable practices in the
airline. The aircraft followed an optimized
industry, which is striving to reduce carbon
aircraft,
air and on the ground.
flight route facilitated by the European
emissions and waste, while meeting soaring
Greenliner.
affectionately
dubbed
the
discover turkey FLY WITH TURKISHAIRLINES
EXPEDITE MALDIVES | PHONE NO: 3009595 | VIBER: 7229595 | EMAIL: SALES@EXPEDITEMALDIVES.COM
24 AVIATION
QATAR AIRWAYS AND MALAYSIA AIRLINES ANNOUNCE SIGNIFICANT CODESHARE EXPANSION forward to sharing our Malaysian hospitality
recognition of its ground-breaking Business
further and provide a truly Malaysian
Class experience, Qsuite. It is the only
experience for our passengers.”
airline to have been awarded the coveted ‘Skytrax Airline of the Year’ title, which is
Sales
for
selected
new
codeshare
destinations will open today, 15 January,
recognized as the pinnacle of excellence in the airline industry, five times.
when Malaysia Airlines customers will be able to book travel on Qatar Airways
Qatar Airways operates a modern fleet of
flights from Doha to Vienna, Brussels,
more than 250 aircraft via its hub, Hamad
Copenhagen, Frankfurt, Munich, Athens,
International Airport (HIA), to more than
Rome, Oslo, Barcelona, Madrid, Geneva,
160 destinations worldwide. The world’s
and
fastest-growing
Zurich.
In
turn,
Qatar
Airways
airline
added
several
passengers will be able to book Malaysia
new destinations to its network last year,
Airlines flights to Sibu, Alor Setar, Medan,
including Rabat, Morocco; Izmir, Turkey;
and Surabaya.
Malta; Davao, Philippines; Lisbon, Portugal;
Qatar Airways has announced expanded
network to 24. Qatar Airways Group Chief
codeshare
Malaysia
Executive, His Excellency Mr. Akbar Al
Airlines, starting from 27 January 2020. The
Baker, said: “Since 2001, both airlines
Qatar Airways began flying to Kuala
and Gaborone, Botswana. The airline will
new codeshare agreement will strengthen
have witnessed the significant benefits
Lumpur, Malaysia in 2001, now a triple daily
add Osaka, Japan; Santorini, Greece;
the two airlines’ strategic partnership, first
codeshare
brought,
service. Penang, Malaysia was launched in
Dubrovnik, Croatia; Almaty and Nur-
initiated in 2001.
providing passengers with unrivaled service
February 2018, initially with three weekly
Sultan, Kazakhstan; Accra, Ghana; Cebu,
and seamless connections. The expansion
flights that increased to five weekly flights
Philippines; Trabzon, Turkey; Lyon, France;
destinations
of codeshare cooperation between Qatar
in October 2019. A five-time weekly service
Siem Reap, Cambodia; and Luanda, Angola
covered by the airlines’ current codeshare
Airways and Malaysia Airlines is a natural
to Langkawi, via Penang, was launched in
to its extensive network in 2020.
cooperation, the expanded agreement
next step in the strengthening of our
October 2019. In 2001, Qatar Airways
will allow Malaysia Airlines passengers to
partnership.”
and Malaysia Airlines announced their first
Malaysia Airlines serves 59 destinations
codeshare agreement, which was expanded
from its hub, Kuala Lumpur International
With
10
cooperation
Qatar
with
Airways
cooperation
have
book travel to 20 additional Qatar Airways
Mogadishu, Somalia; Langkawi, Malaysia;
gateways in Europe, America, and Africa.
Malaysia Airlines Group Chief Executive,
in 2018, to provide greater connectivity and
Airport
In turn, Qatar Airways passengers will
Mr. Izham Ismail, said: “Malaysia Airlines
new destinations to their passengers.
partners, customers of both airlines are
benefit from access to four exciting new
is delighted to further develop and grow
destinations in South East Asia. They can
our relationship with Qatar Airways with
A multiple award-winning airline, Qatar
flyer status and benefits including access
now book travel on Malaysia Airlines’
this codeshare agreement. Through this
Airways was named ‘World’s Best Airline’ by
to lounges worldwide, through check-in,
flights to Sibu, Malaysia; Alor Setar,
cooperation, we will be able to provide
the 2019 World Airline Awards, managed
extra baggage allowance, plus accrual and
Malaysia; Medan, Indonesia; and Surabaya,
travel options for our outbound travelers as
by Skytrax. It was also named ‘Best Airline
redemption of miles, priority check-in and
Indonesia. This brings the total number
well as inviting more travelers to experience
in the Middle East’, ‘World’s Best Business
boarding across the carriers’ networks.
of codeshare routes in Malaysia Airlines’
the beauty Malaysia has to offer. We look
Class’, and ‘Best Business Class Seat’, in
(KUL).
As
Oneworld
alliance
ensured recognition of their frequent-
TRANS MALDIVIAN AIRWAYS WELCOMES 56TH SEAPLANE TO ITS FLEET Trans Maldivian Airways (TMA) continues
aircraft to transport tourists to island-based
to expand with another addition to its
resorts. In doing so, it has made a significant
seaplane fleet today, making a total of 56
contribution to the development of tourism
seaplanes under its umbrella.
in the Maldives, which in turn has resulted in major benefits to the national economy.
Taking pride in being one of the largest
TMA operates its own seaplane terminal
seaplane operators in the world, TMA
at Velana International Airport with many
transfers tourists to over 60 resorts
exclusive resort lounges and a fleet of air-
spread
Maldives
conditioned buses, VIP vehicles, baggage
archipelago. Furthermore, in December
vehicles and many dedicated resort vehicles
2019, TMA had brought out 2 seaplanes at
for intra-airport transfers. The doorstep
once.
delivery and pick up at the resorts are done
out
through
the
at floating platforms, customized as resort TMA is the oldest and, in many ways, one of
airports. Trans Maldivian transports about
the most experienced air transfer operator
1 million passengers per year.
in the Maldives. It pioneered the use of
AVIATION 25
MANTA AIR: A LOOK BACK AT THE YOUNG AIRLINE WHICH REVOLUTIONIZED THE INDUSTRY From exemplary service to customer
significant impact it has had on the industry.
exactly when the flight is while booking the
and to make sure that everyone can fly
centricity to arrive at long-term success, we
Manta Air introduced the country’s first
ticket.
#LikeAManta. Even on new year’s eve, the
take a look at the Maldives newest Airline,
fixed scheduled transfer service with pre-
Manta Air.
published flight schedules. The airline
The airline is also recognized for its
gift on board as they started their new year
became the first airline to guarantee a
customer-centric approach to its service.
celebrations by providing specially packed
Manta Air started its operations in 2019
spot for passengers upon booking a seat
From its customer care service from the
macaroons for each passenger.
and in the airline’s young life, it has
and also the first airline in the Maldives to
airport to celebrations with special gifts
achieved a lot from opening 3 destinations
provide 2 seating classes; Comfort Class &
to passengers to customizing its seating
As the airline approaches its 1 year in
(Kudahuvadhoo, Dharavandhoo & Kooddoo)
Sapphire Class.
arrangement by removing 2 seats of seating
operations, the airline reports that it aims
rows to provide extra legroom for its
to keep innovating and to bring even more revolutionary change to the airline industry.
in its first year to starting its seaplane
airline made sure its customers got a special
operations. The biggest achievement for
This has aided a lot of major challenges
customers, the airline keeps on showcasing
the airline has been revolutionizing the
for Maldivians & tourists traveling in the
its commitment to providing the best
aviation industry in its short period and the
Maldives as now passengers will know
experience in the skies of the Maldives
26 TRAVEL TECH
TRAVEL TRADE MALDIVES LAUNCHES NEW WEBSITE WITH A TRAVEL CHANNEL Travel Trade Maldives (TTM) has launched
The TTM portfolio of products includes
its new website with a travel channel, Maldives Leading Travel Trade Show along TTM+. TTM is the leading travel trade
with TTM Travel Summit and TTM Awards
business resource for tourism industry
& Gala, bi-monthly print periodical, travel
developments in the Maldives.
channel TTM+ and the online news portal www.traveltrademaldives.com.
The launch took place today at the Maldives Marketing and Public Relations Corporation
Orca Media Group is a leading media
(MMPRC) office. The website was launched
and marketing agency in Maldives. TTM is
by MMPRC Managing Director Thoyyib
a product of Orca Media Group.
Mohamed and Orca Media Group’s Chief Operating Officer Dr. Sunny Umar.
AWARDS/ LISTINGS / FEATURES 27
HERITANCE AARAH RESORT GLOBALLY RECOGNIZED FOR SUSTAINABILITY
Heritance Aarah Resort has celebrated
The design of the resort compliments the
worldwide recognition for its sustainable
coverage of sustainability by implementing
initiatives.
elements equivalent to gasoline saving turbines, vitality saving LED lighting, water
Situated in Raa Atoll and accessible from
saving fixtures and vitality environment
Velana
friendly air con.
Worldwide
Airport
through
a
40-minute seaplane flight, Heritance Aarah boasts 150 villas, six eating places, 5 bars, a
Talking in regards to the success of
PADI dive centre and the primary of its type
Heritance Aarah, Stasshani Jayawardena,
IASO Medi Spa.
Chairperson
of
Aitken
Spence
Inns,
mentioned: “We’re honored that Heritance The resort additionally supplies company
Aarah has been introduced with quite a
with a variety of excursions and curated
few accolades after only a few months of
experiences to select from.
opening.”
In September, Heritance Aarah grew to
“A key precedence is to make sure our
become the first ever property within the
resorts contribute positively to guard and
Maldives to be awarded the internationally
protect the setting and the ecosystems we
recognized Management in Power and
function in so we’re proud that Heritance
Environmental Design Gold certification,
Aarah has been named as the primary
which complies with the US Inexperienced
LEED Gold licensed property within the
Constructing Council score system and
Maldives.”
is awarded to properties that save vitality, water and assets; generate much less waste; and help human well being.
VOGUE ARABIA: MALDIVES SPECIAL WITH KUWAIT’S LEADING LADY HAYA ABDULSALAM Vogue Arabia January 2020 issue features
when its first issue was published in March
the Maldives along with Kuwait’s leading
2017.
lady Haya Abdulsalam as she dives into an idyllic escape at Pullman Maldives
Haya Abdulsalam shares how she unwinds
Maamutaa Resort. This is part of the
when she is the most comfortable, and
continued efforts by Maldives Marketing
making time out of her busy schedule for
and Public Relations Corporation (MMPRC)
herself and her family.
for the destination marketing campaign. She is seen wearing dresses by Marques’ Vogue Arabia is the Arab edition of Vogue
Almeida, Givenchy and Mary Katrantzou
magazine. It is distributed in several Middle
for the shoot. She also wears kaftans
East countries, including Saudi Arabia,
by Dolce & Gabbana and Andrew Gn at
Bahrain, Qatar, Kuwait, Oman, United Arab
Robinson’s along with a feather headpiece
Emirates, Jordan, and Lebanon. Vogue
by Giambattista Valli. The photographer for
Arabia became the 22nd edition of Vogue
the shoot was Gianluca Fontana.
28 AWARDS/ LISTINGS / FEATURES
COMO COCOA ISLAND, INTERCONTINENTAL MALDIVES LANDS LIST OF 20 NEW ASIA PACIFIC LUXURY HOTELS Como Cocoa Island and InterContinental
third of the island, a pilates studio, and a
Maldives have landed the CNN’s list of 20
gym.
stunning new Asia Pacific luxury hotels to check into in 2020.
The first property by InterContinental Hotels & Resorts in the Maldives opened
The list consists of 20 of the most exciting
last September and is located in one of the
new luxury hotels from the mountains of
country’s most secluded spots, namely near
Bhutan to the energetic buzz of Bangkok or
Baa Atoll, a UNESCO biosphere reserve in
relaxing in a quiet retreat in rural Japan.
the Indian Ocean. Guests have the option to choose from 81 overwater, beach and
COMO
Cocoa
Island
is
an
intimate
lagoon villas. The resort also houses a
private Maldives island resort surrounded
three-bedroom Royal Beachfront Residence
by a beautiful turquoise lagoon and an
with 790 square meters of luxury. There
exceptional house reef. The resort has 34
are no fewer than six bars and restaurants
overwater villas where guests can head
and every guest also gets access to Club
straight from the balcony into the turquoise
InterContinental amenities. They also have
waters underneath to see the teeming sea
a spa housed in six overwater treatment
life. Other relaxation and fitness options
villas.
include a wellness center that takes up a
SPANISH BAND MANTRA LAUNCHES, MUSIC VIDEO FEATURING JUMEIRAH VITTAVELI The new Spanish band MANTRA has
The band MANTRA is made up of 3
launched on January 10, with their first
incredibly talented musicians, Paula Perez,
song No Te Eperaba. The video for the song
Carlos Marco, and Carlos Weinberg. Carlos
was filmed at Jumeirah Vittaveli Maldives.
Weinberg has visited Jumeirah Vittaveli
The band stayed last year in August and also
before and recorded his hit songs Like This
gave an exclusive unplugged performance
and La Verdad at the island.
for the resort’s in house guests. Their launch promotional tour will start now Jumeirah Vittaveli released a statement
and focus on Spain and Southern Europe.
saying, “We are happy to be part of the journey for MANTRA and look forward to seeing and hearing much more from them in the coming months.
Hawks Hotels advert.pdf 1 2/16/2020 12:29:52 PM
A tropical escape on Kamadhoo island, Baa Atoll
Tropical Biosphere M u n i c h
K a m a d h o o
A luxury hotel close to Velana International Airport and right in front of Hulhumale beach
Hawks Hotels
Tropical Biosphere M u n i c h
K a m a d h o o
For reservations: Mr. Hugo Mendis
E: info@airportbeach.mv
P: +960 7950494
AWARDS/ LISTINGS / FEATURES 29
KUREDU ISLAND RESORT AWARDED THE TUI ENVIRONMENTAL CHAMPION 2020 Kuredu Island Resort has been awarded the
Kuredu is a more responsible resort every
TUI Environmental Champion award for the
year.”
fifth consecutive year. In 2017, Kuredu significantly reduced the The TUI Environmental Champion audit
number of single-use plastics at the resort
covers a wide range of criteria in areas
(and planned on eradicating single-use
of conservation of the environment and
plastic straws completely by September
implementation of social responsibility.
2018). They encourage guests to use reusable water flasks, continue providing
The resort released a statement saying,
in-house bottled water, use cutlery made
“This important award is a testament to
from biodegradable materials at events
the resort’s ongoing, measurable actions
whenever possible, and work hard to raise
toward sustainable hotel management.
eco-awareness among guests, team and
We are pleased to have again received this
local communities alike.
accolade, but even more so that thanks to the guidance of TUI that complements and
Kuredu is also a proud recipient of the
enhances our commitment to sustainability,
Travelife Gold Award for 2018-2020.
LILY BEACH RESORT, BANYAN TREE VABBINFARU, KURUMBA MALDIVES AMONG TRIPADVISOR’S TOP ALLINCLUSIVE RESORTS Lily Beach Resort & Spa, Banyan Tree
Landing in the 19th position was Banyan
Vabbinfaru and Kurumba Maldives have
Tree Vabbinfaru. Banyan Tree Vabbinfaru
been listed among TripAdvisor’s top all-
opened its door in 1995 and is the first
inclusive resorts for vacations in 2020.
international chain resort in the Maldives. With just 48 pool villas dotting around the
The 25 award-winning locations range
island, privacy and relaxation can easily be
from a mountainside escape in Patagonia
attained. The resort has a restaurant, bar,
to a seaside stay next to the crystal clear
PADI Gold Palm 5-Star resort dive centre,
waters of the Maldives. The winners are
and a Banyan Tree Spa. It is also home to
determined by the quantity and quality
the Banyan Tree Maldives Marine Lab, the
of traveler reviews over the course of the
first of its kind to be funded and built on
past year, in addition to booking interest
a private resort, where guests can learn
for those spots. Additionally, TripAdvisor’s
about marine conservation and partake in
Price Finder tool compares the cost of
the many sustainability activities on offer
a number of these resorts against other
including coral planting, reef cleaning, and
popular booking companies to ensure the
daily stingray feeding sessions.
best price possible for the trip. The 14th spot on the list was given to Lily Kurumba Maldives bagged the 24th position
Beach Resort & Spa. Nestled on a private
of the list.Kurumba was the very first
island amidst the serene clear blue water
private island resort in the Maldives when
of the Indian ocean, Lily Beach Resort is
it opened its doors in 1972 in the Indian
the first all-inclusive resort in the Maldives.
Ocean archipelago of the Maldives. Opened
Close to Male, just 25 Minutes from a
by four young Maldivians on an uninhabited
seaplane, Lily Beach offers premium food
coconut plantation island in October 1972,
& beverage options with an extensive list of
Kurumba marked the beginning of the
wines & spirits.
tourism industry in the country.
30 ACCOMMODATION
VAKKARU MALDIVES PLEDGES SUPPORT FOR AUSTRALIAN BUSHFIRE
Vakkaru Maldives hosted a charity dinner to
“We hope our contribution helps the
support the Australian bushfire crisis. Held
incredible WIRES team to rescue and care
on January 11, 2019, the dinner raised
for as many sick, injured and orphaned
funds for the for Wildlife Information,
native animals as possible.”
Rescue and Education Service (WIRES). Guests were invited to an AustralianVakkaru
General
Manager,
Nicholas
themed dinner at Vakku Grill. The set
Mason, has strong ties to Australia and said
menu dinner was inspired by the country’s
he and his team were moved by the plight of
food culture, using an array of produce and
Australia and its wildlife and wanted to raise
supplies from Australia and the Maldives
money for WIRES’ dedicated emergency
curated by Nicholas Mason – general
fundraiser.
manager, Prasong Taochan – executive chef and Stefanie Wiesner - sommelier.
“We’re located in a UNESCO biosphere reserve here in the Baa Atoll, so we
The menu items included braised pork
understand the importance and fragility
belly with vegemite sauce, grilled Australian
of healthy ecosystems,” he said. “It’s
black angus beef tenderloin and Tasmanian
heartbreaking to see so many injured
salmon couscous and chai cake for the
animals and such widespread loss of life
main course as well as choices of pavlova
and natural habitat.”
and lamington for the dessert.
COCO BODU HITHI TO LAUNCH FIRST FLOATING FITNESS STUDIO IN MALDIVES WITH AQUAX ACADEMY popular fitness activity. As with regular
yoga retreat led by elite instructors from
yoga, floating yoga utilizes the principles
AquaX Academy as part of the “Ocean
of
flexibility, and
Sweat Life” SUP retreat program advocated
meditation. The practice of floating yoga
by Queenie and her fellow lululemon
allows guests to embrace the benefit of
ambassadors who share the love for ocean
yoga in nature, while also participating
and fit-living lifestyle . The retreat will
in an invigorating and unique workout by
take place from 15th – 19th March and
constantly finding balance on the moving
will include regular yoga classes as well as
water.
introductory Stand-up paddling and floating
balance,
strength,
yoga sessions in the sea. Shafa Shabeer, the Director of Marketing for Coco Bodu Hithi, said about the
Queenie said about this exciting new
collaboration, “We are incredibly excited
program, “I believe that bringing workout
to be collaborating with AquaX Academy to
to water is an exercise regime change
Leading luxury resort Coco Bodu Hithi is
Using stand-up paddle boards in the pristine
launch the very first floating fitness studio
which makes our members happier. The
set to launch the first floating yoga studio
lagoon of the island, recreational stand up
in the Maldives, as they are leaders in the
challenge-seeking active society is looking
in the Maldives in collaboration with AquaX
paddle classes and floating yoga classes will
fitness industry. This will be an exciting
forward to extending their practice to
Academy from Beijing, China. Founded
be made available to guests at Coco Bodu
experience for our guests, where they can
nature, in which we are excited to take the
by lululemon China Ambassador Queenie
Hithi beginning in March 2020.
enjoy our beautiful waters in a new way.”
lead.”
water sports and the first to introduce a
Floating yoga, also known as stand-up
As part of this collaboration, Coco Bodu
floating studio concept in China.
paddleboard
Hithi will also be hosting a four-day SUP-
Xiao, the academy is a pioneer of innovative yoga,
is
an
GET ALL YOUR SPORTS & RECREATION REQUIREMENTS farish@soneesports.com.mv | T +960 333 5995 | +960 798 3352
increasingly
ACCOMMODATION
PULLMAN MALDIVES MAAMUTAA: DEFINING A NEW AGE OF WELLNESS TOURISM IN MALDIVES
31
Wellness is one of the biggest trends in the
Bootcamps are one of the most popular
travel industry today where destinations
types of exercise workouts today as it
around the world are seeking to put
gets fast results. Pullman Maldives offers
themselves on the radar of wellness-minded
bootcamp-style
travelers.
‘Raaveriya’. Raaveriya brings a unique type
beach
workout
called
of Maldivian energy and twist to the bootIf you’re looking to travel to a tropical
camp sessions. The workouts combine the
destination and still want to stick to
high-energy, frenetic moves of traditional
your wellness routine, Pullman Maldives
Maldivian dance ‘Boduberu’ with the kind
Maamutaa is the place to be. Maamutaa is
of movements used by local boat-builders
the first Maldives resort to capitalize on and
and other Maldivian traditional crafts to the
join the trend of wellness tourism.
workout.
Pullman takes a holistic and integrated
At the conclusion of the session, a swig of
approach to wellbeing built on sleep,
the local drink ‘toddy’ will ensure you stay
food, sport and spa by offering fun,
re-hydrated and refreshed to face the day.
innovative fitness experiences that balance
Pullman also offers high intensity cardio
performance with enjoyment, leaving you
classes with Body Combat and Zumba. Get
wanting more.
the chance to enjoy a Zumba session in the water with Pool Zumba or at the beach with
Pullman Maldives offers relaxing yoga sessions
during
sunrise
and
Beach Zumba.
sunset,
throughout the week. Or if you’re looking
Other workouts include exercises aimed at
to take it up a notch, one should try floating
different muscle groups with the fat burn
yoga. Imagine yourself doing yoga on top
class, bum lift or the flat tummy workout.
of a dhoni in the middle of the ocean. With
They also offer ABS Pilates and circuit
only the soft breezes, the gentle sound of
training.
waves, and hypnotic rocking motion of the sea as your companion.
FURAVERI MALDIVES REINVENTS WITH NEW VILLAS AND ‘WELLNESS VILLAGE’ Furaveri Island Resort and Spa is reinventing
gentle mantas that visit them, are all paid
itself in this year. All set to launch with 33
homage to in its new brand identity.
newly built villas and additional upgrades, the resort is re-branding into a four-star
In addition to being already recognized for
deluxe property to be known as Furaveri
its lush marine ecosystems, Furaveri is also
Maldives.
set to home the first Wellness Village in the Maldives. This local village concept hosts a
In giving new life to the Furaveri experience,
peaceful sanctuary in itself, complete with
the resort found inspiration by listening to
facilities adopting ancient healing practices
the inherent beauty of the island and its
to immerse guests in lasting holistic
culture. Staying true to core values such
experiences.
as making the best of what they have, they tuned in to the simple beauty of the
Furaveri Maldives released a statement
surroundings and followed their hearts with
stating, “Our hearts are colored with
nature as a guide.
gratitude and excitement as we invite you to join us in envisioning what it means to
Visually, for this renewal, the resort
capture the best of authentic Maldivian
invoked the color teal of where the open
hospitality.”
ocean meets the lagoon and the warm sunset yellow of memorable evenings by the beach. The white herons throughout the island, the vibrant screwpine trees, the frequent turtles in the resort’s reef and the
32 ACCOMMODATION
MALDIVES: A DESTINATION WHERE INNOVATIONS HAPPEN Remote rooftops and breath-taking underwater world of the stop there. Overwater villas are now who visits the country will experience, but observatories The gorgeous sandy white beaches and
However, for Maldives, it does not simply
are time-honored activities that everyone
Maldives have often been referred to as
considered a basic room type, and even
why stop there? Over the years, Maldives
The beauty of the Maldives is not just limited
paradise on earth by visitors. And rightly
slightly anachronistic as there’s nary a resort
has taken it to the next level and dining
to the beaches and underwater marine life.
so! With over 1,000 small tropical islands
that does not have at least one. Resorts like
under the sea has become a trend. Luxury
Guests can get to see the mesmerizing sky
scattered over the Indian Ocean like a string
Conrad Maldives Rangali Island raised the
underwater restaurants are among the
views and indulge in stargazing.
of pearls, it is one of the most geographically
bar recently by introducing the world’s first
most unique dining experiences available
Soneva pioneered the opportunity to
dispersed countries in the world. In fact, the
underwater villa. The jaw-dropping design
in the world. Not everyone can boast about
see the stars in the middle of the ocean.
Maldives is only 1% of land and 99% sea.
is named Muraka (“coral” in Dhivehi, the
being able to dine with the fishes.
Soneva Fushi is the first resort in the world
A statistic that has contributed immensely
local language of the Maldives) and sits 16
to the development of various innovative
feet and 4 inches below the surface of the
Currently,
‘tourist attractions’ inspired by and from
ocean.
restaurants in the Maldives. They are
the sea that surrounds the beautiful island
where guests can get acquainted with 3D there
are
6
underwater
astronomy.
Ithaa at Conrad Maldives Rangali Island,
The Soneva group went on to take star
Another innovative guest accommodation
5.8 Undersea at Hurawalhi Island Resort,
gazing to the next level and installed
which made headlines all over the world is
SEA at Anantara Kihavah Maldives Villas,
Accommodations: From Maldives style water villas to Bubble
retractable roofs at almost all of its villas at
the Bubble. Guests can now either spend
SUBSIX at Niyama Private Islands, M6m
Soneva Jani. It opens in about 22 seconds
a cozy night inside a bubble on the beach
at OZEN by Atmosphere at Maadhoo, and
and spans a spectacular 4 by 4 meters.
The luxury overwater villas of Maldives
at Seaside Finolhu or a Skyhouse Bubble at
H2O at You & Me Maldives.
The system is equipped with a rain sensor.
(usually referred to as “Maldives-style
Amilla Fushi for an extraordinary experience
water villas) are famous across the globe,
with amazing views of the sunset.
nation.
When rainfall is detected the roof closes In addition, while celebrating its 10,000th
and it is a concept that many countries
dive, Whale Submarine Maldives launched
Dine-in options: Dinner at accommodations for the upmarket and Underwater restaurant? Or inside luxury travelers. Even India, Dubai, Qatar a submarine?
the world’s first underwater dinner in a
and other popular tourist destinations have
Many tourists agree that the real beauty of
served their lunch and dinner 120ft under
developed ‘Maldives-style’ water villas to
Maldives is below the surface of its beautiful
the most beautiful marine environment on
add to their list of accommodation types.
crystal clear sea. Diving and snorkeling
the planet.
have taken inspiration from when designing
submarine option. That’s right, visitors to the Maldives now have the option to be
automatically.
ACCOMMODATION 33
GRAND PARK KODHIPPARU, MALDIVES PLEDGES TO BAN PLASTIC STRAWS Grand Park Kodhipparu, Maldives has
benefiting the environment, they are eco-
pledged to ban plastic straws. Plastic
friendly and contributes to less waste in
straws have quickly become a symbol of
landfill.
the world’s unnecessary reliance on plastic. Even more, they have become a symbol of
“We are consistently seeking new innovative
plastic’s horrific effects on the environment.
ways to incorporate world eco trends into
One way to reduce the impact of plastic
our daily island operations, whilst ensuring
straws on the environment is to simply stop
the guest journey and team efficiency are
using plastic straws: Team at Grand Park
at the forefront. The recent removal of
Kodhipparu, Maldives encourages guests
all single-use straws on our island is one
to either drink directly from a glass or use a
of many initiatives that we have launched
reusable alternative to plastic.
and plan to launch soon” said Dean Jarvis, Director Food & Beverage.
Reusable stainless-steel straws are such an alternative. They are much better than plastics, for more than just the reason of
34 ACCOMMODATION Singer,
MYLEENE KLASS AND FAMILY HELP WITH BEACH CLEAN UP WHILE IN THE MALDIVES GETAWAYS
media
presenter,
model
and
did a beach clean with Outrigger hosts on a
ambassador for Save the Children (UK),
neighboring island.
Myleene Klass relaxed with her family at
She wrote: “Doing this with my son strapped
Outrigger Konotta Maldives Resort during
to me and my daughters leading the charge,
the Christmas and New Year festive period.
makes me so proud to see them consciously
She and her young family also volunteered
taking action. They could have stayed in the
to clean up plastic from a neighboring
pool all day, eating ice cream, they’re on
island in the atoll.
holiday after all, but they chose to set their alarms, to join in and to be the change they
Klass posted pictures to her Instagram
want to see in the world. I love my kids!”
account of her family, baby son Apollo (4 months) and daughters Ava (12) and Hero
A video of her family cleaning the beach
(8), and her partner Simon, all relaxing
was also posted on her Instagram account.
while wearing Christmas hats on Konotta’s
John Allanson, General Manager, of the
idyllic tropical palm beach.
Outrigger Konotta Maldives Resort, said: “Myleene and her family did a great job
Klass wrote on her Instagram account:
collecting plastic and polystyrene. They
“Merry Xmas to you and your loved ones. I
really got into it. Guests who are keen to
still cannot believe I have Apollo in my arms
make a positive difference while they’re
and this is what my family now looks like
on holiday in the Maldives is a trend we
this Christmas.” She added: “This little boy
encourage at Outrigger.”
is the most amazing gift we’ve been blessed with. I wish you love at this time. I hope
Apart from beach cleanups and excursions
wherever you are, whoever you’re with, that
with its marine biologist, Outrigger Konotta
you have peace in your life. Merry Xmas
Maldives Resort operates according to
from our little tribe. X.”
robust recycling, reducing and reusing environmental philosophy, which is part
While there, Klass and her family got
of Outrigger’s global OZONE (Outrigger’s
hands-on to help the environment. They
zone) marine conservation initiative.
PULLMAN MALDIVES AND MERCURE MALDIVES HOSTS MS. HEARTIST 2019, PAGEANT FOR A CAUSE
Pullman Maldives Maamutaa Resort and
Ms. Heartist 2019 consisted of 7 ladies from
donations. Our team was able to share
mental, emotional and social growth as
Mercure Maldives Kooddoo Resort has
Pullman and 2 from Mercure. The 9 kind-
the things that the center requested, such
young citizens. It will affect us as well.”
organized Ms. Heartist 2019, Pageant for a
hearted, beautiful and gorgeous ladies from
as beds and mattresses, TV’s, washing
Cause.
the islands of Pullman Maldives Maamutaa
machines and cash donations and more
The Ministry of Gender and Family officially
and Mercure Maldives Kooddoo Resort
importantly, the time spent and the
established Kudakudhunge Hiya’ on May
Ms. Heartist 2019, Pageant for a Cause
stood up as the Charity Ambassadors for
interactions during the visit was truly
2006, the only local orphanage in Villingili
was held on 10th December 2019. The
Children’s Home Orphanage in Villi-Male’.
memorable and heart warming.”
Island of Maldives, with the aim of providing
talent and culture team and Ms. Heartist
a safe and secure environment for orphans
candidates sold raffle tickets worth of USD
The talent and culture team released a
They further added, “We believe that the
and vulnerable children deprived from
6,630. The funds received from the sale of
statement saying, “All the funds raised,
children are the most vulnerable members
other means of primary care.
tickets was used to support the Children’s
USD 6,630 was donated to the children’s
of our society and if we deprive them from
Home.
orphanage
their basic needs, it will affect their physical,
through
in-kind
and
cash
ACCOMMODATION 35
HARD ROCK CAFÉ MALDIVES CONDUCTS WORKSHOP IN COLLABORATION WITH MUSICIAN LUCA STRICAGNOLI An open workshop for locals and other
interested in a jam session, a guitar, bass,
hotel guests was held on 4th January 2020
drums, and keys were also set up on stage.
at 4 PM, at Hard Rock Café Maldives. The workshop was held together with one of the
This event is the first of many initiatives
top acoustic guitarists in the world, Luca
in support of the local music community.
Stricagnoli.
As there are currently no proper music schools, and most local musicians are self-
People from different areas were invited
made, Hard Rock Café Maldives wanted to
to witness his talent. He is known for
provide an opportunity for these musicians
his unique style and innovative playing
and music lovers to come together and
techniques which he demonstrated during
experience the love of music and build
the workshop. Furthermore, he explained
relationships through that common ground.
the process and development behind this
As Hard Rock Café Maldives has been
signature style of playing. Luca brings
fortunate enough to be able to work with
With venues in 76 countries spanning 262
pieces
an enthusiastic energy to the stage that
many local bands, and hope to continue
locations that include owned/licensed or
the globe. Hard Rock destinations are
attracts concert requests from around the
to do so, they wanted to create a link
managed hotels, casinos, rock shops, and
located in the world’s greatest international
world, and his music has been featured in
between local musicians and internationally
cafés, Hard Rock International (HRI) is one
gateway cities including two of its most
countless magazines and TV channels, and
renowned musicians. Luca is a perfect
of the most globally recognized companies.
successful flagship properties in Florida
has grabbed the attention of world-famous
example, and the café hopes they can
Beginning with an Eric Clapton guitar, they
and home to the world’s first Guitar Hotel
artists such as “Red Hot Chili Peppers”
enforce this passion and creativity through
own the world’s most valuable collection
in South Florida.
and “Walk Off The Earth.” For musicians
such a workshop.
of music memorabilia at more than 83,000
displayed
at
locations
GERMAN RADIO STATION 104.6 RTL BERLINS HITRADIO GOES LIVE FROM HERITANCE AARAH Arno und die Morgencrew (English: Arno
as well as Newcomers. The radio station is
and the Morning Crew), the morning show
famous for the nationally biggest raffles,
of the Berlin’s Hitradio 104.6 RTL radio
spectacular promotions and most famous
station is now going live from Heritance
comedy shows of the city.
Aarah. The show will go live every morning from the resort from 13th to 31st January
Accessible by a scenic 40-minute seaplane
2020.
flight from the main Velana International Airport, Heritance Aarah is a premium all-
The show is also giving away a dream trip
inclusive all-villa resort consisting of 150
to the destination worth over 15,000 euros
villas including 26 intimate luxury duplex
every day. Arno and the Morning Crew is a
ocean suites, 56 sunset ocean villas and 68
show broadcasted weekdays from 5:00am
land villas ranging from beach villas to pool
– 10:00am in the morning. Each Saturday,
beach villas, family beach villas and family
a summary of the week follows in a “best-
pool beach villas. Be it a romantic interlude
of” show from 8:00am – 10:00am in the
or a family retreat, Heritance Aarah offers
morning. 104.6 Radio RTL is the Berliner
curated experiences that cater to the
Hitradio with the best music from the charts
discerning traveler with diverse interests.
around
36 ACCOMMODATION
FOUR GOLF COURSES IN MALDIVES MC’S COACH GUARDIOLA CAN ENJOY GOLFING Pep Guardiola was recently asked whether
sqm course (21,000 sq. ft.) located in the
he would ever take charge of Manchester
center of the island. The pitch houses 9 tee
City’s fierce rivals Manchester United and
boxes and 6 greens which allow you to play
he responded saying: “After training City
18 holes while working on your short game.
I will never train them; I would not train
Each green features 4 or more flag positions
[Real] Madrid [after Barcelona]. I’d be in the
of increasing levels of difficulty.
Maldives if I don’t have any offers. Maybe not the Maldives because it doesn’t have any golf courses.”
3. Kuredu Golf Club - Kuredu Island Resort Located on the eastern portion of the
Guess what? Maldives goes beyond the
island, surrounded by natural forest and
sunkissed beaches and sea adventures! To
the noise of the ocean, playing golf could
help Guardiola, we bring you 4 world-class
not be any more peaceful than it is here.
golf courses to enjoy a golfing holiday in the
Kuredu’s Golf Club boasts a full-size driving
Maldives.
range and a large putting green to perfect the short game. The course is a 6-hole
1. Velaa Golf Academy - Velaa Private Island
Par 3 course with the average length of a
Velaa Golf Academy prides itself on tailoring
followed by drinks at the Golf Bar.
hole being 55 yards. Our pick: Night golf,
golf lessons to the individual, focusing on the
4. Villingili Golf Course - Shangriby Jose Maria Olazabal, renowned for his La’s Villingili Resort & Spa, short game prowess, with nine different Maldives areas required for improvement. Designed
tees, six greens, seven bunkers, and a lake,
A once in a lifetime golfing experience
Velaa Golf Academy provides a golfing
awaits at Shangri-La’s Villingili Resort & Spa
experience like no other, designed to create
- the only resort in the Maldives to boast a
bespoke memories whatever your wishes.
nine-hole golf course, elegantly designed to showcase the island’s outstanding natural
DISCOVER A TRULY ALLINCLUSIVE RESORT IN THE MALDIVES Located in Gaafu Alifu Atoll, only 1 hour
Because at Pullman Maldives we believe in
travel from Male, among 19 hectares of
innovation, be prepare to have an intimate
lush vegetation and a natural lake, Pullman
encounter with marine life like never before
Maldives Maamutaa
in our 2 exclusive Aqua Villas, where you
is more than just
another Resort.
could have an immersive experience in the underwater bedrooms. Get ready to write
With a truly all-inclusive concept, featuring
your Pullman story. For more information:
6 dining options, a unique wellness and
Website: pullmanmaldivesmaamutaa.com
fitness approach combined with a pop up
Phone: +960 6820909
resident artist and Chef.
2. The Meeru Golf Club - Meeru Island Resort
beauty. Undeniably dubbed as the world’s
Play 9 holes over 480 yards on this 2000
promises a perfect round, every time.
most exotic course, this idyllic setting
TRAININGS 37
ACE AVIATION SERVICES MALDIVES AND ACE TRAVELS MALDIVES CONCLUDES CUSTOMER SERVICE TRAINING PROGRAMS Ace Aviation Services Maldives, the General
“We also look forward continuing these
Sales Agent for Sri Lankan Airlines in the
training for staff every month with the
Maldives along with its sister company Ace
intention to maximize the best customer
Travels Maldives has concluded a 2-day
service experiences we could offer our
customer service training on 3-4 January
clientele” he further added.
2020. Ace Travels Maldives, is a leading Travel The program was conducted to help
Company in The Maldives. Since its
employees explore how to integrate the
inception in 2002, Ace Travels Maldives
company’s mission, vision and customer
has played an important role in catering to
service delivery, and create the necessary
the travel needs supporting the expanding
alignment between all essential players to
Tourism in the Maldives. Ace Travels
achieve enhanced results. These include
Maldives and Ace Aviation Services is a
better customer experiences, improved
Joint Venture between Inner Maldives
customer satisfaction, and a more positive
Holidays and Aitken Spence Travels, Sri
image of both the companies.
Lanka.
Around 65 employees participated in
Ace Aviation Services Maldives is the
the 2-day training program conducted in
General Sales Agent for SriLankan Airlines
conjunction with HR Maldives.
in Maldives. The airline operates daily flights to Colombo with smooth connections to
“Our new year resolution is to enhance
over 53 destinations worldwide, providing
better customer service and bring excellent
passenger and Cargo services.
customer retention experiences, and in order to make this happen, we conducted
The company also bagged 2019 South
this advance customer service program
Asia Travel Awards (SATA) for the Leading
with the beginning of the new year.” said
Airline GSA award in the Maldives, and for
Roshan Madurawala, Country Manager for
the third consecutive year.
Ace Aviation Services Maldives and Ace Travels Maldives.
At our resorts in Maldives, you can embark on adventure, both under and above water, cosy up in a romantic embrace, discover local culture, savour delectable cuisine or relax by the sea. Welcome to an escape of absolute bliss.
F
6th Floor, H. Thuniya, Boduthakurufaanu Magu, Male’ 20026, Republic of Maldives T: +96 06 640 375-7 E : res.central@adaaran.com.mv www.adaaran.com
38 TRAVEL AGENTS
VOYAGES MALDIVES CELEBRATES REMARKABLE 40 YEARS IN THE TOURISM INDUSTRY Voyages Maldives turns 40 this year, a major
and travel solutions to and from anywhere
milestone for remarkable contribution
in the world. The group also owns an
by the company to the Maldivian tourism
exclusive holiday resort in Ari Atoll,
industry.
Diamonds Athuruga, managed by a Swiss firm.
Established in 1980, Voyages Maldives has, over the years, expanded to cover a number
Voyages Maldives has a long standing
of key tourist services in one of the most
relationship with their partners from all
beautiful holiday destinations in the world.
across the globe spanning over 40 years in the industry. They have also enjoyed
Specializing in ‘Dhoni’ Safari programs,
immense recognition by being awarded for
which include cruising, diving and surfing
their services at prestigious functions such
safaris, Voyages Maldives also provides
as the South Asian Travel Awards, MATATO
ground handling services to tour operators,
Travel Awards and Maldives Boating Awards
supervision and representation for airlines
throughout the years.
YOUNGISTAN TRAVELLERS HOST NETWORKING EVENT FOR MALDIVIAN COUNTERPARTS IN INDIA Youngistan Travellers, one of the leading
tour operators, travel agents and airlines
Indian tour operators to Maldives has
attended the event. This event was held
hosted a networking event for Maldivian
to network and appreciate the all the
counterparts. The event was held in New
stakeholders who are tirelessly working to
Delhi, India on 9th January 2019.
promote and market Maldives in India. Youngistan Travellers is a New Delhi-based
More than 150 partners, including sales
Tour operator. Maldives is one of their
and marketing managers from resorts,
leading destination.
TRAVEL AGENTS 39
ATP CONGRATULATES MMPRC AND MOT FOR ACHIEVING 1.67 MILLION TOURISTS TO THE MALDIVES Maldives
Association
for
Tourism
tourists 38 days ahead of time and total
Professionals (ATP) congratulates Maldives
tourist arrivals reaching 1.67 million by the
Marketing and Public Relations Corporation
end of the year.
(MMPRC) and the Ministry of Tourism for their hard work and dedication to achieve a
ATP released a statement saying, “In this
milestone arrival of 1.67 million tourists to
remarkable moment, all the members
the Maldives.
of the ATP and its board members would like to thank Minister of Tourism,
MMPRC, along with the Tourism Ministry
Hon. Ali Waheed, Managing Director of
has conducted multiple activities to promote
MMPRC, Mr.Thoyyib Mohamed and all the
the Maldives as a tourism destination. In
employees of those two institutions for their
2019, more than 130 events including fairs,
hard work and dedication to achieve this
roadshows, media FAM trips, and joint
milestone. ATP assures that it will remain
campaigns were conducted by MMPRC
supporting all the stakeholders of the
to facilitate in achieving this target. With
Maldives Tourism Industry to promote and
the result of these activities, Maldives has
develop the tourism industry of Maldives.”
achieved milestone arrival of 1.5 million
CAPITAL TRAVEL AND TOURS AWARDED THE TOP PRODUCER FOR 2019 BY JUMEIRAH VITTAVELI Capital Travel and Tours has been awarded
comprises of 25 dedicated staff members.
the Top Producer of 2019 by Jumeirah
Upon receiving the award Yoosuf Riffath
Vittaveli, a subsidiary of the renowned
said, “It gives us tremendous honor to be
Emirati International Luxury Hotel chain –
acknowledged as the Top Producer of 2019.
Jumeirah Hotels and Resorts. This award is a testament to the dedication
most exclusive and unbeatable offers in the
Jumeirah Vittaveli. Whether for an intimate
market.
escape or an indulgent family retreat,
Ever since Jumeirah Vittaveli opened its
of our team. Thank you Jumeirah Vittaveli
gates in South Male’ Atoll, Capital Travel
for recognizing our efforts towards your
Nestled in a spot of astounding beauty and
diversity, subtle luxury and personalized
and Tours have been actively working with
property. We look forward to many more
ideal for couples, families or small groups,
exploration.
the resort setting benchmarks, the latest
years of success.” Jumeirah Vittaveli is
Jumeirah Vittaveli brings personalized
seamless service shape the character of
bagging the Top Producer of the year 2019.
highly popular among the partners and
excitement to the holiday. The Resort is
this resort paradise, where every detail
The award was received by the CEO of
clientele of Capital Travel and Tours as a
located at South Male Atoll, Bolifushi.
has been meticulously crafted to inspire
Capital Travel and Tours – Mr. Yoosuf
result of the strong decade long partnership
A 20-minute ride on-board a luxurious
journeys of discovery and enjoyment.
Riffath and was celebrated by the whole
shared by both the companies which in turn
motorized
team of Capital Travel and Tours which
entitle Capital Travel and Tours with the
International Airport brings guests to
HRS_19-707_TTM_AD_02_PATHED.pdf
1
15/4/19
14:58
Jumeirah
catamaran
from
Velana
Vittaveli
offers
Impeccable
unmatched choice
and
40 CELEBRITY NEWS
•
Who: Melissa Benoist and Chris Wood
•
Who: Eros Ramazzotti
•
Who: Mel B
•
Where: Maldives
•
Where: Heritance Aarah
•
Where: Maldives
•
When: January
•
When: January
•
When: January
•
Who: Drogba
•
Who: Fernando Torrest
•
Who: Patrick Kluivert
•
Where: Maldives
•
Where: Maldives
•
Where: Maldives
•
When: January
•
When: January
•
When: January
•
Who: Sara Ali Khan, Ibrahim Ali Khan, and Amrita Singh
•
Where: LUX* North Male Atoll
•
When: January
•
Who: Rafael da Silva and Fábio da Silva
•
Where: Maldives
•
When: January
•
Who: Mick McCarthy
•
Who: Roberto Mancini
•
Who: Tara Sutaria
•
Who: Hina Khan
•
Where: Kuredu Island Resort
•
Where: Emerald Maldives Resort & Spa
•
Where: Heritance Aarah
•
Where: Kurumba Maldives
•
When: January
•
When: January
•
When: January
•
When: December
CELEBRITY NEWS
•
Who: Madonna, her children, and
•
boyfriend Ahlamalik Williams •
Where: Vakkaru Maldives
•
When: January
•
Who: Idris Elba and wife Sabrina
•
Who: Taylor Swift
Dhowre Elba
•
Where: Soneva Jani
Where: One & Only Reethi Rah
•
When: January
Maldives •
When: January
•
Who: Gordon Ramsay and family
•
Who: Karishma Tanna and Pearl V Puri
•
Who: Kajal Aggarwal
•
Where: Amilla Fushi
•
Where: Furaveri Maldives
•
Where: Reethi Faru Resort
•
When: December
•
When: December
•
When: December
•
41
Who: Bipasha Basu and husband Karan Singh Grover
•
Where: Maldives
•
When: January
•
Who: Zara McDermott and Sam Thompson
•
Where: Ayada Maldives
•
When: December
•
Who: Nushrat Bharucha
•
Who: David Ginola
•
Who: Liv Tyler
•
Who: Matt Dillon
•
Where: The Sun Siyam Iru Fushi
•
Where: Maldives
•
Where: Maldives
•
Where: Raffles Maldives Meradhoo
Maldives
•
When: January
•
When: January
•
When: December
Resort •
When: January
42 TTM HIGHLIGHTS
TTM HIGHLIGHTS OF 2019
TTM HIGHLIGHTS 43
L E A D I N G T R AV E L T R A D E B U S I N E SS R E S O U R C E OF MALDIVES
TTM MALDIVES
TTM TRAVEL SUMMIT
TTM AWARDS & GALA
TTM+
BEST OF MALDIVES
TTM ONLINE
TTM PERIODICAL
T R A V E L T R A D E M A L D I V E S . C O M